Thank you, Dr. Judy, for presenting this perspective about the rabies vaccination/veterinary medicine subject. It truly hits home when I already have had a vet clinic deny treating my dogs because I don't want to re-vaccinate them. At the time I hadn't thought to ask them about their human staff status for current rabies protection (if the vaccination is so "critical" for our dogs to "stay healthy"). It seems to me that the odds of encountering a potential rabies infection would be higher for veterinary staff, encountering multiple dogs daily, than it is for an individual dog to encounter a rabid animal in nature, especially in an urban environment.
On another note, I heard your recent podcast on The Raw Dog Food Truth and I appreciate your plan to do an in-depth presentation on rabies. I didn't know how/where else to ask this, but I would also appreciate you addressing the issue of a low titer result (still detectable but below .5IU/mL) as well as just the option of getting a titer test in lieu of re-vaccination to solve the problem. Both Dr. John Robb and Dr. Ron Schultz have stated their position that any measurable antibodies equals immunity. Thank you for your consideration.
Thank you for your feedback. These rabies mandates have gotten so ridiculous and I am committed to helping pet parents find some work-arounds. Your comment on the titers is valid, and I agree that any antibody level indicates a response to the vaccine and will likely be protective. In truth, we never know in a given circumstance what level will be necessary for protection, so it is all a bit arbitrary. I will continue to address the titer issue along with other information on the issue of rabies
I never got the rabies vaccine wile working as a vet tech for 10 years. When the subject was brought up the answer was “it’s expensive, painful and it’s a series of appointments so you need to take time off.” I guess they realized it’s not that important because we have never encountered an actual rabbit animal. I guess the fear it’s only real if there’s a profit.
Thank you, Dr. Judy, for presenting this perspective about the rabies vaccination/veterinary medicine subject. It truly hits home when I already have had a vet clinic deny treating my dogs because I don't want to re-vaccinate them. At the time I hadn't thought to ask them about their human staff status for current rabies protection (if the vaccination is so "critical" for our dogs to "stay healthy"). It seems to me that the odds of encountering a potential rabies infection would be higher for veterinary staff, encountering multiple dogs daily, than it is for an individual dog to encounter a rabid animal in nature, especially in an urban environment.
On another note, I heard your recent podcast on The Raw Dog Food Truth and I appreciate your plan to do an in-depth presentation on rabies. I didn't know how/where else to ask this, but I would also appreciate you addressing the issue of a low titer result (still detectable but below .5IU/mL) as well as just the option of getting a titer test in lieu of re-vaccination to solve the problem. Both Dr. John Robb and Dr. Ron Schultz have stated their position that any measurable antibodies equals immunity. Thank you for your consideration.
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for your feedback. These rabies mandates have gotten so ridiculous and I am committed to helping pet parents find some work-arounds. Your comment on the titers is valid, and I agree that any antibody level indicates a response to the vaccine and will likely be protective. In truth, we never know in a given circumstance what level will be necessary for protection, so it is all a bit arbitrary. I will continue to address the titer issue along with other information on the issue of rabies
All the best,
Dr Judy
I never got the rabies vaccine wile working as a vet tech for 10 years. When the subject was brought up the answer was “it’s expensive, painful and it’s a series of appointments so you need to take time off.” I guess they realized it’s not that important because we have never encountered an actual rabbit animal. I guess the fear it’s only real if there’s a profit.
Amazing! How the tables have turned!