Unexplained differences in responses to vaccination in dogs and cats emerge.

Blood samples taken under the PETS travel scheme have shown that individual cats and dogs respond differently to the rabies vaccination.

The results of two separate studies undertaken at Biotest Laboratories in Edinburgh have shown that the individual response to the rabies vaccine is highly variable. In one of the studies approximately 1% of the dogs did not seroconvert after a second dose of vaccine ( they did not respond to the vaccination).

The reasons for this were difficult to explain. The formulation of the vaccine was one factor considered but surprisingly the geographical origin of the animals also seemed significant. Dogs from Japan for example, were significantly more likely to fail to respond to the vaccine. Entire animals were more likely to fail the blood test then neutered ones. Very young or very old animals were also less likely to respond adequately. There were also variations between different breeds with German Shepherds and Labradors not responding well. Dogs failed the blood tests more often than cats.


Studies such as these are extremely useful at the moment as there is an ongoing debate about the validity of the current vaccination schedule recommended for pet dogs and cats. The results of these two studies provide further evidence to suggest that vaccination programmes should be based on the individual needs of the pet.