I was urged by Jeremi to write up a "Howie Update", as Howie's been staying with me since his diagnosis with (so-called) hip dysplasia. I guess his fans all over the world have been asking about him and before rumors started circulating that he is in Africa with Angelina Jolie, I thought I should oblige.
As I described in a previous post, Howie has been pretty normal since August 6th (a week and a half after the $850 slumber party). He is his sweet self and looks pain free. However, whenever he tries to jump or run, it is evident that there's still something around his hips that is bothering him. I have been going on short walks with him and he seems to get tired uncharacteristally at times. I let him get his rest and he indicates that he's good to go again in a few minutes.
In contrast he is very active at home, and wants to play all the time. His appetite has also quadrupled in the past 2 weeks and he even devours with haste the once-snubbed kibble. I am guessing it is a side effect of Deramaxx but I'm not sure as the prescription info for the drug makes no mention of such a side effect. By the way he's on 40 mg right now and seems to be doing fine with that. (Max for the drug is 0.91 mg/lb/day). He also continues to produce rock star poop. (Jeremi's been questioned about what this is exactly and the only thing I can say is that you know it when you see it)
He is going to see a neurologist on Aug 25 , as recommended by an orthopedist, and the neurologist will give us next steps. In congruance with Jeremi's latest rant about the New England animal health industry, I would not be surprised if the neurologist told us we need to see an orthopedist. (Thankfully both Jeremi and I are experts at this point in quickly reacting to similar displays of incompetence/casualness about Howie's health)
I would say that the prognosis looks promising and a full recovery certainly looks highly probable. He sends everybody his love.
Thanks Vuz! Love the update. I actually feared that he may have gone to Turkey with Mike Tyson. LOL!
Posted by: Jeremi Karnell | Friday, August 19, 2005 at 10:14 AM