‍CONDITION: VERY GOOD and stable.

‍Henry has been with me for about fifteen weeks, and has reached a new nadir baseline of “stable” and VERY GOOD condition for several consecutive days.

‍Henry had his first vet visit with the Rescue’s veterinary specialist. Of course, Henry was accompanied by his Better Days Rescue support staff! It takes a village or, at minimum, an entourage of dog groupies!

‍The backseat cover/containment I ordered for Henry proved to be a useful tool. He travelled with so much less anxiety! Henry was his calm, observant, friendly, handsome self among the staff members.

‍Henry  weighed in at a healthy 42 #. We presented Henry’s most recent lab results (from three months ago) were all within normal limits. His pathology from the muscle biopsy that shows Henry is positive for muscular dystrophy was also provided to the veterinarian.

‍We reviewed Henry’s difficulties and the signs* of Muscular Dystrophy that he has shown and, in some instances overcome. Three and a half months ago, Henry was a condition of FAIR to POOR. Henry progressed to a condition of VERY GOOD with backsliding for several days on only one occasion. Rampamycin was discussed, and will be considered in future.

‍*Henry’s past “signs of M.D.” were: bunny hop gait, hunch back, difficult oral manipulation, infrequent drooling, infrequent regurgitation, frequent body fatigue with sudden “flop down” rest times, exercise fatigue of walking a max of 600 feet, squat to wet and move bowels, lack of neck extension, eye “goobers.” Also, tachycardia with pounding beat without murmur, tachypnea with flewing or cheek puffing.

‍Most of signs are now mitigated and I am so happy when I see him breathing without puffing and panting through his nose. He still has frequent fatigue with flop-downs but he can maintain a walk or two around the block. (He walks at night when it is cooler.)

‍After the meeting with the vet, Henry had an opportunity to browse the adjacent pet supply store. He strolled the aisles, resting as needed and being cuddled by staff. After examining a number of not-very-complex toys, Henry eventually chose a toy that interested him! A squeaky plush toy that looks like a bright red box of french fries!

‍Visit Harry’s Instagram @caninemusculardystrophy
for more photos and video!

‍Henry is very social, alert, and wants to be involved in everything! He looks forward to his walks and visits from Mr. Bones. He likes to swim and swimming is an excellent low impact exercise for him. Henry’s other hobby is growing fur and leaving fur “tumbleweeds” lurking in the house!

‍Muscular dystrophy is an under-diagnosed genetic condition in dogs!

‍In Henry’s case, early diagnosis enabled us to immediately provide adequate and appropriate care. Because Henry is now “a healthy dog who is living with Muscular Dystrophy” we can reassess his goals, expectations, and care. This will be addressed with nutrition and nutrient changes.