‍CONDITION: Very Good

‍MUSCULO SKELETAL: 0/4 resistance on rear limbs. We celebrated when he lifted a rear leg once to wet!!!!! No palpable pain expressed. 

‍CARDIAC: Still rapid, occasionally pounding, no murmur. 

‍RESPIRATORY: Occasional lip-flewing.

‍GAIT: No hump, no bunny hop, no rear nail scuffing. Endurance is longer, yet he still has frequent flop-downs, we walk at his pace.

‍NUTRITION: Henry is eating home made food, to implement his micro and macro needs. This is supplemented with kibble and some wet food. Henry still gets collagen and vitamin C supplements.

‍Better Days Rescue opted to have Henry’s DNA tested, and a saliva swab was submitted to EmbarkVet.com. Here are his breed results!

‍Of 274 genetic health risks analyzed, six important results were noted:

‍Increased Risk:

‍MDR1 Drug Sensitivity (ABCB1)

‍Notable Results:

‍ALT Activity (GPT)

‍Copper Toxicosis (Accumulating)

‍Dilated Cardiomyopathy, DCM

‍Platelet Factor X & Receptor Deficiency, Scott Syndrome

‍Von Willebrand Disease Type I, Type I vWD

‍Due to MDR1, Henry has numerous drug sensitivities. ALT Activity and Copper Toxicosis impact the liver. Together with DCM, they are considerations should Henry require surgery, as are Scot Syndrome and Von Willebrand. These findings will be reviewed in light of clinical findings as Henry’s Muscular Dystrophy progresses and in structuring his diet and exercise.

‍In other news, a dog door has been installed! So far, it seems to be a “one way” door. When I let Henry outside through the back doors, he remains behind me as I am closing them. If only he would use them to go out, rather than go on the floor! His separation anxiety is high and he out-maneuvers any barrier. Restricting his open space further to a kennel will be undertaken with caution, avoiding cardiac status is paramount due to his cardiac status. CBD has not been helpful; he will try doggy melatonin chews that also contain chamomile, valerian root, and hemp seed oil. We shall see!