‍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 flopdowns, 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) - Henry inherited one copy of the variant tested by Embark. Henry is at increased risk for MDR1 Drug Sensitivity. He has one copy of a variant at the ABCB1 gene and is at risk for displaying adverse drug reactions. While he may not be as severely affected as a dog with two copies of the ABCB1 drug sensitivity allele, normal dosages of drugs could still have potentially severe effects on Henry. Henry’s veterinarian has been informed that Henry carries this variant, along with the following results. It is essential that veterinarians know this information before prescribing drugs. MDR1 is a true genetic mutation (Multi-Drug Resistance 1 gene).

‍Notable Results:

‍ALT Activity (GPT) - Henry inherited one copy of the variant tested by Embark. Henry’s baseline ALT level may be Low Normal. Henry has one copy of a variant associated with reduced ALT activity as measured on veterinary blood chemistry panels. Henry’s veterinarian has been advised that Henry has this genotype as ALT is often used as an indicator of liver health, and Henry is likely to have a lower than average resting ALT activity. As such, an increase in Henry’s ALT activity could be evidence of liver damage, even if that increase is within normal limits by standard ALT reference ranges.
Variant tested: GPT

‍Copper Toxicosis (Accumulating) - Henry inherited two copies of the variant tested by Embark. It is not known whether Henry is at increased risk that HENRY will develop this disease. Research studies for this variant have been based on dogs of other breeds. Not enough dogs with Henry’s breeds have been studied to know whether or not this variant will increase his risk of developing this disease.
Variant tested: ATP7B

‍Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - Henry inherited one copy of the variant tested by Embark. Henry is not known to be at increased risk for DCM. This variant should not impact his health. This variant is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog needs two copies of the variant to show signs of this condition. Henry is unlikely to develop this condition due to this variant because he only has one copy of the variant.
Variant tested: RBM20, Schnauzer Variant

‍Platelet Factor X & Receptor Deficiency, Scott Syndrome - Henry inherited one copy of the variant tested by Embark. This variant should not impact Henry’s health. This variant is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog needs two copies of the variant to show signs of this condition. Henry is unlikely to develop this condition due to this variant because he only has one copy of the variant.
Variant tested: TMEM16F

‍Von Willebrand Disease Type I, Type I vWD - Henry inherited one copy of the variant tested by Embark. It is not known whether this increases the risk that Henry will develop this disease. Research studies for this variant have been based on dogs of other breeds. Not enough dogs with the Henry’s breeds have been studied to know whether or not this variant will increase his risk of developing this disease.

‍Variant tested: VWF

‍

‍DNA-based conditions are carried and passed along to offspring. Whether puppies become affected, carriers, or clear depends on the male’s genotype (zero, one, or two copies) and the female’s genotype for the same variant.

‍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. Henry’s veterinarian has been advised of these findings. Clinical findings as well as Henry’s diet and exercise plan will be reviewed in this light as his condition progresses

‍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 relieve himself 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 stress 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!