‍CONDITION: VERY GOOD  Henry had only 1-2 days of GOOD- when he did not eat and vomited x 2 yellow, non-frothy.  (just a correction from last week:  5+2 days = good +).   

‍If the proof is in the pudding!  Henry has demonstrated improvements, which I never thought I would see.  

‍Henry’s ‘haunch’ hump (rump, croup) is significantly lessened.  There appears to be no hump remaining or it is camouflaged by his hair (which continues to growwww!) His ‘bunny hop’ is now a wiggle! He now has only occasional nail scuffing on his hind feet. These are two significant signs of muscular dystrophy that are believed to be permanent.

‍Persisting signs of Muscular Dystrophy:

• Henry’s  rhythm remains regular, with no murmurs on auscultation. Palpable pound of his heart beat only felt after activity.  But, the heartbeat is still ‘strong.’
• Henry still has tachypnea, but it is no longer consistent.  “Flew lip puffing” has replaced cheek puffing.
• Only minimal eye goobers in one eye.  This is a significant improvement.
• Henry still offers no resistance at his hind foot. He is very capable of walking and jumping. Climbing terrain has become more problematic for him. It is awkward for Henry to step uphill or haul himself out of the spa. He is excited for walks and wants longer walks. Henry does his nighttime walk for “Burro Watch” and will walk around the entire block with some breaks. I always follow Henry’s pace and his cues. Endurance or muscle training is not the goal.
• His neck has less range of motion.  It is still present.  He can flex but has less range on extension. Perhaps this helps to explain the gentle way he stand up to be close to your face, the better to see!  Physical therapy of moving treats on the side or above his head may help.

‍PLAN: Hydrotherapy 15 minutes twice daily. Physical therapy for neck extension, put treats next to his face or over his head. Physical therapy is passive flex and extend his hind foot joint several repetitions, three times daily. Continue the supplements and food as established. (Do not add Magnesium as a trial of glycinate caused diarrhea.) Continue to hold Pregabalin and Gabapentin. Will reassess in a week to begin Vitamin D3.

‍Consider red light therapy. Consider Rapamycin.

‍Brush, brush, brush, groom, groom, groom! Bathroom train and wash floors. 

‍SUMMARY: People mistake Henry as an elderly dog less frequently.  His gait, attitude, and engagement are now beginning to match his two-year-old-ness!