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I looked up the laws for the state of Illinois on the Rabies Shot for a dog and did see that if you had proof of immunity that a vet could write it up and the dog would be basically "excused" from having to get another rabies shot.

I spoke to Zeus' vet and the rabies titer would cost $96.95 but that he would NOT write Zeus off. He'd still have to get the shot.

I'm very disappointed, but what I really want to know is that if in fact he is already immune to it. What problems may arise if he gets another vaccination? Any side effects? Also, would you request a 3 or 1 year shot until I can find a vet to write it off?

Thanks in advance, Dr.

This is a relatively hot topic in my area and many vets are in a difficult position on it. The state laws dictate, but it sounds like your state does allow a titer number to be used in place of a vaccination. If that's true, I don't see why a vet would not sign off on a high titer number. It has been proven to be a fairly reliable indicator of immunity to rabies. Due to a rabies vaccine shortage in humans, vets themselves have been allowed to use titers instead of being revaccinated. If your state does not allow a titer number though, I can see why he's not signing off. If you must do the vaccine for legal reasons, if your state allows, get the 3 year shot. Most dogs easily accept the rabies vaccine even yearly without issue- yet there are potential risks to over vaccinating as well. It's just very difficult to have a crystal ball and tell you your dog will have no trouble. Weight the risks, past history with shots, etc and go from there.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

To be quite honest, I think that they just didn't want to "write off" the rabies shot because they need/want the money for it. And I guess if one gets it done everyone else will. Domino effect?

This is my dogs health and well being on the line though. So I've come to the decision to get a new vet. Holistic preferably.

When I would respond to everything they were telling me about "boosting" the immunity yearly and all this other stuff I was clearly not being listened to. I was told that holistic vets are "other types of people". What's that supposed to mean??

I'm on my big search for a new vet now. Thank you for the responses and advice. It's appreciated. Wish me luck in my search!

Thanks again.

I personally use a holistic vet and since she's a personal friend I've heard some of the politics that can get involved with it. Still, as a client, I advocate for my pets and pay for the titer for my dogs (which actually costs more than just vaccinating the dog). So, if the arguement is they are losing money- that's bunk. My pets get yearly wellness checks that do not involve shots at all visits. They get checked out. The wellness checks should be the enphasis for the vet and not the shots. If something comes up that needs addressing, I'd rather catch it earlier rather than later. Similar to human medicine theory...
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

If your vet won't work with you on this, find another vet. Vaccines can have serious side effects such as autoimmune problems, so don't give them any more than necessary. Therefore, use the 3 year rabies vaccine rather than the 1 year vaccine, as they both have the same amount of antigen.