Category Archives: Health

health issues

Health

Titer Testing

A titer test (pronounced TIGHT er) is a laboratory test measuring the existence and level of antibodies to disease in blood. Antibodies are produced when an antigen (like a virus or bacteria) provokes a response from the immune system. This response can come from natural exposure or from vaccination.

It is a simple blood test but is expensive when sent out to a lab.  Cost can run from $70 to $120 and up. (click HERE to read of less expensive in-house tests)

Continue reading Titer Testing →

Health

Small dogs, smaller doses of vaccines?

 

Every time your pet is given medication your vet weighs them and carefully calculates the dose to avoid overdosing them.  Yet a 160 pound Mastiff and a 10 pound Chihuahua both get the same amount of vaccine? Unlike every other veterinary drug, 1 ml of vaccine is given to every dog, regardless of his size.  Why?

…because everyone knows that the drug companies perform extensive tests on Great Danes and Chihuahuas and everything in between so that it’s crystal clear who needs what and why. Right?

Continue reading Small dogs, smaller doses of vaccines? →