How do I Check the Rabies Titer Vaccination?

The rabies vaccination can be given to animals and people, and should be checked regularly.

Rabies is a virus that is carried by animals and can cause neurological damage and eventually death. You and your pet can be vaccinated against the virus. The vaccination will build up antibodies of the disease in the blood and prevent the rabies virus from infecting cells thus neutralizing the virus. After the vaccine is administered, the titer--or the concentration of antibodies--can be checked with a simple blood test. It is recommended that the titer be checked three weeks after it is administered and then every year after that for the life of the pet (for people, six months to two years depending on the potential exposure to rabies.)

Things You'll Need

• Order or prescription for blood work
• Fee for diagnostic services

Instructions

1. Find out the specific laws in your area regarding the rabies vaccination. Some localities differ on how often the rabies vaccine needs to be administered and how often the titer has to be checked. Contact your local animal control officer for the correct information.

2. Contact your doctor or veterinarian. Three weeks after receiving the vaccination, check the titer through a simple blood test. After that, for pets, once a year is sufficient to ensure that the antibodies are still protecting against the virus. If you work with animals and are exposed regularly to the rabies virus, you should be checked every six months to two years depending on the level of exposure. Your doctor or veterinarian will order the test.

3. Have your blood drawn. Most veterinarians have diagnostic lab capabilities on site for your pet. However, if you were vaccinated, your doctor may or may not draw blood in the office. In that case, your doctor or insurance company can suggest a facility.

4. Review the results with your doctor or veterinarian. Depending on you or your pet's risk factors for rabies infection, your doctor or vet will make decision about the concentration of rabies antibodies. If the titer is insufficient, a booster vaccination will be necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Veterinarians disagree on the usefulness of the rabies vaccination titer test in some animals. Discuss your vaccination options with your veterinarian and determine the best choice to protect your pet.

References

• Vet Med at LSU: Rabies Prevention
• Caber Feidh: Canine Titers

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Rabies Information