No Rabies Vaccine for Oscar This Year
Up until now, we have given him the three-year vaccine for rabies. After Oscar's difficult health year, we had a frank discussion about whether or not to vaccinate him for rabies this year, or to titer test and see where his levels were. We titer tested and discovered that his levels were well over the amount that the CDC considers effective in preventing humans from contracting rabies. Therefore, my vets feel that it is best not to vaccinate him for rabies this year. Our plan is to titer test again next year, and see where we are then. The rabies titer testing was relatively expensive ($130) compared to other titer testing, or the shot itself, and it took about a month to get the results back, but we think it was worth a try. I live in Lake County, IL, which allows us to have a health exception to a rabies shot, as long as you present a letter from your vet outlining why the animal should not get the vaccine. I still have to pay for a licensing tag, but I will get a health exception tag instead. My only other concern was what happens on the crazy off-chance that Oscar bites someone? He would literally not survive a traditional quarantine, and if that is what the law requires without a rabies shot, then I would have Oscar get the shot. However, turns out that, in Lake County, my vets could request a home quarantine instead.  So that is what we are trying this year. Just wanted to share my experience, in case anyone else is thinking about doing this. Laurie and Oscar |
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I understand your dilemma. Good for you for taking this route.  You are very fortunate to have a medical exemption option. I've done rabies titers before too... the test said there's no established protective rabies titer for dogs. I think the best you can do to protect them from a possible quarantine in case of a bite is keep them close to home if at all possible and limit public exposure. It would be just awful if a boy like Oscar had to go to AC for a 10 day quarantine.  Has anyone heard how the Rabies Challenge is going? Just wondering if we're any closer to vaccinating less often than every 3 years... |
| The unvaccinated neighbor dog that bit my son when he was a kid got to do a home quarantine as well. Just throwing that out there! It was probably about 12 years ago. And good news for Oscar - I'm glad he had the option of opting out of the vaccine  |
| While it's true that there isn't an established protective level, my vets feel that there is a higher risk of him having trouble with the vaccine than there is of him contracting rabies even if exposed, based upon his titer results. With all of Oscar's issues, he never goes anywhere but the vet, and out for walks. While outside, he is never off leash, so I am within 6 feet of him at all times. Of course there is always a risk of wild animals and bats, but I carry a "coyote thumper" (Mag-lite)  when walking, so as to minimize any danger to me or Oscar.I am still a little concerned about not getting him vaccinated, because of the lack of established protective levels, but I am going to trust my vets on this one. I asked point blank if they were comfortable not vaccinating based upon his blood results and they said "absolutely". So, we're going to  and hope all rabid critters keep their distance.In a side note, noticed a lesion on Oscar's flank.......looks like MRSA, but we're off to the vet for a culture tomorrow. (sigh). Merry Flippin' Christmas!  Laurie and Oscar |
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