Henri Update.

Dear Friends and Family, Henri is doing well. Since starting the Azathioprine (2nd immune-regulating medication), Henri has been feeling even better than on prednisone alone. Now that the Azathioprine is fully working, we have started to taper the Prednisone dose (again). We are hoping (fingers/toes/paws crossed) that adding the Azathioprine will allow us to get his prednisone dose down significantly. Things are moving slowly now, as we are only making medication changes every 4-weeks. We are hoping, we can get Henri below 2.5mg/day. Last week, we did the first prednisone reduction, we went from 5mg/day to 3.5mg/day. So far (fingers/toes/paws crossed) Henri is feeling well. Our next reduction, in 3-weeks, will be to 2.5mg/day. We had an appointment with his internist on Tuesday, she thought he is doing well. The only ill-effects Henri is having now...is he has little hair so the little guy feels good but looks terrible. The high prednisone levels have caused Henri to lose his entire undercoat making his hair very thin (this bothers Mommy..not Henri). He looks like a little chemo dog. Hopefully as we get the prednisone down, we will see some baby hairs start to come in. Bella is doing much better as things have settle down with Henri. For several months, she was terribly jealous of all his "special" food and attention. Her nightly, temper tantrums which made her crate levitate across the kitchen floor, have decreased in frequency. Guests were starting to get used to our dinner shows. About a month ago, I started taking a class with her which has given her some much needed one-on-one time. She enjoys going to "school" and considers this a special privilege. Thank you for all your wonderful support! Keep sending healing thoughts and healthy prayers to our little guy! Attached is a photo of Henri waking up the other morning...hard to tell what is real and not. Enjoy! Sincerely, Ella