Canine and Feline Core Vaccine Titer Screening
The Micro Rabies Screen Test (MRS) is a serum neutralization assay based on the RFFIT. Since The MRS test measures rabies virus neutralizing antibody (RVNA) titers, it can be used as a rapid screening for evaluating the need for rabies boosters.
A review of rabies challenge-studies indicates that there is a positive correlation between rabies virus neutralizing antibody (RVNA) titers and the level of protection after virus challenge. Pre-exposure vaccination coupled with a RVNA titer at or above 0.5 IU/mL indicates greater assurance of protection than does current vaccination status.
Using the MRS test results:
The recognized level of protection is at or above 0.5 IU/mL. If the RVNA is below 0.5 IU/mL, a booster may be indicated depending on the pet’s rabies exposure risk level. KSVDL recommends consultation of local rabies vaccination laws and regulations for final guidance.
Other Core Vaccine Serologic Tests
The current trend is to carefully assess each patient’s disease risk to determine if vaccine(s) are necessary and if so, which vaccine(s) would be appropriate. The use of serological titers can be a valuable tool in making those vaccine decisions especially in animals with histories of a previous vaccine reaction; those individuals prone to allergic reactions; in those specific cases where concerns of “over vaccinations” persist.
CANINE: There is an excellent correlation between a “positive” titer and protection against viral challenge with canine distemper virus (CDV); canine adenovirus (CAV); and canine parvovirus2 (CPV), and Rabies (RV).
CDV: SN > 1: 32
CAV: SN > 1: 32
CPV2: HI > 1: 80
FELINE: In cats there is an excellent correlation between a “positive” titer and protection against challenge with the feline panleukopenia virus (FPL) and rabies virus (RV) but only a good correlation with feline herpesvirus (FHV1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) protection.
FPL: HI > 1: 16
FCV: SN > 1:16
FHV1: SN > 1:16
For more information on these test options, please contact KSVDL Client Care at clientcare@vet.k-state.edu or 866-884-3867.
Bovine Respiratory PCR panel—FALL DISCOUNT
For the months October through December, KSVDL is offering a 20% discount on the bacterial and viral respiratory PCR panels. The bacterial panel detects M. haemolytica, P. multocida, H. somni, M. bovis, and B. trehalosi. The viral panel detects, BVDV, BRSV, BCoV, IBR, and includes M. bovis.
The test can be completed on either tissue (lymph node or lung) or nasal/pharyngeal swabs. Only one sample is required as a single sample can be utilized for both the viral and bacterial PCR panels. The swab must be either a sterile swab in 0.25 ml of sterile saline or a swab in viral transport media. Copan Eswab™ transport systems is another option for transport media. NOTE: these media tubes contain short swabs which are not suitable for collecting Deep Bovine Pharyngeal Samples (our preferred/suggested sampling method) , but the media can be used for transporting the swab to KVDL. The transport tubes can be ordered by contacting KVDL Client Care.
A “gel” bacterial swab is not acceptable.
Fall Discount Cost: $35.50 for either bacterial or viral PCR panel or $70.00 for both panels.
For more information visit our website www.ksvdl.org or contact KSVDL Client Care at
866-512-5650 or clientcare@vet.k-state.edu.
Tick-Borne Disease Antibody Screen
KSVDL is now offering an IFA panel that screens for canine ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Annually, thousands of dogs and humans are infected with tick-borne diseases and that rate is climbing. The increasing incidence of tick-transmitted diseases of dogs and people has been associated with the ever increasing range of the various tick species, encroachment of wildlife species into the traditional “urban” environments, and an increase in pet travel.
The wide variation in the disease onset, the variable clinical signs exhibited, and the response to therapy can make a definitive diagnosis of the specific tick-borne disease difficult.
- Lyme disease is transmitted by the deer tick, causing stiffness, lameness, swollen joints, loss of appetite, fatigue, and possibly fever.
- Canine ehrlichiosis is transmitted by the brown dog tick. The various symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, depression, weight loss, runny eyes and nose, swollen limbs, and possibly bleeding.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever is carried by the American dog tick, the wood tick, and the lone star tick. The symptoms include fever, stiffness, neurological problems, and possibly skin lesions.
A screening tick-borne disease screening panel can be very helpful in identifying the causative tick-transmitted agent.
Sample: 0.5 ml serum in a red top or preservative-free sterile tube
Test Schedule: Tuesday and Friday (test is set up at 7:30 a.m.)
Estimated Turnaround: 2-3 days
Price: $48.50
Reported as Positive or Negative, but titer endpoints can be requested.
For more information visit our website www.ksvdl.org or contact KSVDL Client Care at 866-512-5650 or clientcare@vet.k-state.edu.