Reasons for Pet Antibody Testing: Essential Insights

1. How are Diseases Transmitted?

Understanding how diseases spread is crucial, as there are three key components to consider: the source of infection, the mode of transmission, and susceptible animals.

The source of infection refers to the pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, that are widely present in the environment of an epidemic area. Familiar examples include parvovirus, canine distemper, and feline distemper.

The mode of transmission is how these pathogens reach the animals. This often occurs when pets play outside and come into contact with the pathogens, or when owners inadvertently bring them home after being exposed. It's essential not to overindulge our furry friends; without proper vaccinations, they should not be allowed to roam freely. Parents must be vigilant and not take this lightly.

Susceptible animals are those without immunity. Vaccinations are the best way to prevent infectious diseases, as they stimulate the production of antibodies specific to the virus, thereby building immunity.

2. What Are Antibodies?

Antibodies are proteins with specific immune functions that can bind to specific antigens. Antigens are the various pathogens that can make our pets sick. Antibodies launch a suicidal attack, destroying the pathogens along with themselves. Just as a missile can down an enemy aircraft, the antibodies in our bodies are the missiles, and the enemy aircraft are the pathogens that invade our bodies. Once the pathogens are eliminated, our pets' bodies naturally recover.

It's particularly noteworthy that antigens and antibodies are onetoone matches, with a very strong specificity. For instance, the antibody for canine parvovirus can only combat canine parvovirus and not other viruses like canine distemper.

3. How to Determine If Your Pet Has Antibodies

Understanding antibodies brings to light the importance of antibody testing.

Antibody testing measures the level of a specific antibody in the blood, using which we can gauge the pet's resistance to diseases. There are specialized kits for cats and dogs, which can detect antibodies for canine infectious hepatitis, canine parvovirus, and canine distemper in dogs, and for feline panleukopenia, feline herpesvirus, and feline calicivirus in cats.

By comparing the color intensity of the test and control points on a color chart, we can determine the antibody level and assess the pet's resistance to diseases. The darker the color, the higher the antibody level.

Low antibody levels can be very dangerous for our pets! It's crucial to administer booster shots promptly.

4. Do Vaccinated Pets Need Antibody Testing?

Yes, it's highly recommended. There are many reasons why vaccinations may fail.

If the animal has been infected with a disease, is in the incubation period (asymptomatic and not shedding the virus, making it undetectable), or is under stress due to transportation, environmental changes, or immune suppression, or if the vaccination was not administered according to the recommended schedule, the vaccine may not be effective.

Animals that are weak, young, or old, have poor nutrition, are infected with parasites, are sick, are affected by other medications, or have breedspecific issues may have weakened immunity.

No vaccine can guarantee 100% immunity, and there is always a certain failure rate.

Genetic or acquired immune deficiencies.

Maternal antibodies can interfere with the immune response mechanism.

The vaccination schedule was not completed.

Only through antibody testing can we determine if the vaccination has been successful. Parents should place a greater emphasis on antibody testing to ensure the healthy growth of their pets.

Tip: For more information on pet vaccinations, click on "How Much Do You Know About Pet Vaccinations?"