‍Henry. is. two. OMDog how long will this stage last?!

‍Henry’s CONDITION: VERY GOOD

‍A typical two-year-old, he is smart enough to know what he should not be doing and coy enough to do it on the sly. He won’t cross the bedroom threshold if I’m in sight. But eye-range, Henry bolts onto the bed and snuggles down into my pillow. When discovered, he will not budge! He goes limp in my arms as I lift and carry him into the other room. He lets out an audible “humpf” and a heavy exhale through his nose.

‍After many weeks of searching and testing, a favorite chew toy has been discovered. I had almost given up hope but let him try some chew sticks that I had packed away from another foster dog and Henry gives them a “paws up!” I’m very happy for him to have oral stimulation and the distraction of a chew stick, especially since he experiences difficulty with oral manipulation that accompanies Muscular Dystrophy. Henry now has new chew sticks and his french fry squeaky toy!

‍RESPIRATIONS: Henry is still stable in that he can now breathe comfortably through his nose, mouth closed. He demonstrates flewing and, less frequently, cheek puffing.

‍CARDIAC: Henry is still tachycardic, especially with activity or exercise. The hard pounding has not been evident!

‍ACTIVITY: Muscular Dystrophy shows its ugliness when Henry’s frequent drop-and-flops continue. He is always excited at dark to go for burro walks and he enjoys the low-impact activity of swimming.

‍DIET/NUTRITION: Henry is stable and doing well, the updated plan is:

‍Tartar control in his drinking water (independent of his diagnosis)

‍The following doses are for Henry’s 40 pound weight. The standard dosing is given, however, Henry will receive a somewhat different schedule. One type will be dosed daily in rotation with the other supplements.

‍Canine Musculoskeletal Support, Standard Process Brand, 1/4 t. (600 mg) twice daily:

‍Canine Hepatic Support, Standard Process Brand, 1/4 teaspoon twice daily: Calcium + 2.5 g Magnesium + 800 mcg

‍Omega 3, Standard Process Brand, 3 daily (after current supply is exhausted)

‍Canine Heart Health, Standard Process Brand, will be the next introduction

‍Thiamine Benfotiamine (Vitamin B1) 1/8 teaspoon twice daily (0.56 mg) Thiamine is necessary for proper cell function and is a coenzyme necessary for metabolism of carbs, fats, and proteins. It affects cellular respiration, oxidation of fatty acids and neurotransmitter synthesis (aids in neuropathies).  Henry showed an improvement in his limb shakiness when started on thiamine. In addition to food metabolism, it is necessary for cardiac health.

‍Vitamin C 1/8 teaspoon = 250 mg daily

‍Collagen 1/2 teaspoon daily

‍Cyancobalamin (Vitamin B12) 1000 microgram tab daily OR subcutaneous injection weekly

‍PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) 400 mg

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