How to Confirm Puppy Protection

How to Confirm Puppy Protection

AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines

In September last year, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) published an updated Canine Vaccination Guidelines and here we saw many “firsts”. Notably regarding issues related to the use of titer testing as a way to confirm puppy protection after the final puppy core vaccination and avoiding adult dog core vaccine over vaccination.

In the guidelines, for the first time ever, the authors acknowledged the influence of pet owners on decision making of vets to use titer testing by stating “Interestingly, recent practitioner surveys indicate that “owner request” is the most common reason for performing antibody testing in practice.

In these guidelines, also for the first time, the guidelines explain in considerable detail, that antibody titer testing is an integral part of the Canine Vaccination protocol.

There are specific sections dedicated how to implement the use of antibody titer testing as part of the overall vaccination protocol.

“The demand for and availability of antibody testing (both qualitative and quantitative) for canine vaccine preventable diseases has increased substantially over the past decade.”

The Guidelines go on to discuss seven indications for the use of titer testing such as VacciCheck: https://www.aaha.org/guidelines/canine_vaccination_guidelines.aspx

 The Guidelines also describes the types of titer testing available:

Quantitative Antibody Testing Qualitative Antibody Testing
  • Results reported as a titer (e.g., 1:1600).
  • Methodology: a laboratory-based, “end-point” test.
  • Generally more sensitive than qualitative tests.
  • Results usually reported within days.
  • Results reported as “yes” (POSITIVE) or “no” (NEGATIVE).
  • Methodology: in-hospital, point-of-care test kit.
  • Good correlation with “positive” quantitative test results.
  • Results available within 25 minutes.

*Canine VacciCheck, available in the USA, fits into the “Qualitative Antibody Testing” category.

I see it as so important, so part of today’s outlook that we, as pet owners, be more involved, and understand more in the realm of our pets’ health.

Our pets are part of our family and deserve the best!