****Devine Weims will offer titer testing free of charge for 16 week old puppies, and annually for $40****

I want to make this information easily available not only for my puppy buyer's education, but to provide scientific backed evidence for vets to review and not just "my breeder said" as I want vet med professionals to be able to best evaluate and advocate for this breed.

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Weimaraner immunodeficiency syndrome is an inherited condition that causes immune system deficiencies, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and vaccine reactions. This syndrome is characterized by low levels of serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) and neutrophil defects, with symptoms often appearing around 12-15 weeks of age.

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For Breeders and Puppy Buyers:
Weimaraners are known to be an at-risk breed for hyperinflammatory diseases and adverse vaccine reactions. Multicomponent modified live viral vaccines are linked to triggering this condition. The Weimaraner Club of America (WCA) recommends a conservative core vaccine protocol (Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza–Parvovirus at 8 and 12 weeks) followed by an antibody titer at 15–16 weeks to confirm immunity, rather than automatic re-inoculation. Rabies vaccination should be given separately and ideally after 16 weeks of age. Dr. Jean Dodds' protocol similarly advises minimal vaccinations and routine titer testing.

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For Veterinarians:

Weimaraners have a documented predisposition to immune-mediated issues and vaccine reactions, which can range from mild side effects to severe, life-threatening conditions like hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) and neurological disorders. Core vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus-2) are highly effective and proven to provide protection for years, potentially a lifetime, after the initial series. The administration of modified live viral vaccines can present a strong antigenic challenge to a genetically predisposed immune system. Antibody titer tests offer a reliable method to measure protective immunity, which can help avoid unnecessary re-vaccination, especially given the breed's susceptibility to adverse reactions. Both the WCA and Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM, advocate for reduced vaccine protocols and utilizing titers to protect this sensitive breed.

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https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1136/vetreccr-2016-000311

https://www.vetlexicon.com/canis/internal-medicine/articles/weimaraner-immunodeficiency/

https://www.raglanwestie.com/www.raglanwestie.com/Dr._Jean_Dodds_Vaccination_Protocols.html

https://cidd.discoveryspace.ca/disorder/weimaraner-immunodeficiency.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9781437701739000063

https://weimaranerpedigrees.com/index.php?view=immune

https://wagwalking.com/condition/weimaraner-immunodeficiency-syndrome

​https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=11242&id=3860785&

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Why We Use Recombitek C4 for Our Puppies

At Devine Weims, we vaccinate our puppies with Recombitek C4 because we believe it provides the best protection during the most vulnerable stage of life.

Unlike traditional modified-live vaccines, Recombitek C4 uses recombinant canarypox-vectored technology for the distemper component. This means the vaccine cannot replicate in dogs or be shed into the environment, reducing the risk of vaccine virus shedding while still stimulating a strong immune response.

Another major advantage is its ability to begin developing immunity even in the presence of maternal antibodies. Maternal antibodies help protect young puppies but can also interfere with many vaccines. The recombinant distemper technology in Recombitek C4 has been shown to help overcome this challenge, providing earlier and more reliable protection during the puppy vaccination series.

For these reasons, Recombitek C4 is widely respected by many veterinarians and breeders who prioritize early, effective disease protection while maintaining an excellent safety profile.

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https://animalhealth.boehringer-ingelheim.com/pets/canine/products/vaccines/recombitek

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In a laboratory study, puppies were vaccinated at 8, 10, and 12 weeks with RECOMBITEK Parvo vaccine or placebo and challenged oronasally at 14 weeks of age with virulent CPV-2a and CPV-2b.  Nine days after challenge, vaccinated puppies were bright and alert, and none of them developed leukopenia. In contrast, 80% of unvaccinated puppies developed clinical signs of parvovirus infection, 40% developed leukopenia, and 30% died. Results showed 100% of vaccinated puppies were protected against bivalent CPV-2a and CPV-2b after challenge in this study.

After 14 days following a single dose of the RECOMBITEK Parvo vaccine, dogs were challenged oronasally with CPV-2c. All vaccinated dogs sero-converted after a single dose. Clinical signs were observed, and white blood cell counts, and serology were performed up to day 28 following vaccination. No clinical signs were observed in vaccinated puppies, whereas 100% of the controls had one or more clinical signs of parvovirus infection. Additionally, there was significant alleviation of leukopenia in vaccinated puppies compared to controls.

On day 9 post challenge, 100% of the vaccinated puppies were bright, alert, and responsive, and none had developed leukopenia, compared with 40% of controls.2

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