FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 13, 2003, 8:30 p.m.

Long John in Stable Condition After Rough Night

BARNES PLACE (ATLANTA, GEORGIA) - Long John took a turn for the worse through the night as his blood sugar dropped, and he narrowly missed slipping through the surly bonds of earth.

"His intestines are so damaged, bacteria is entering his bloodstream," said Dr. Hirsch, he administered barium to stop the bleeding and give his G.I. track a rest. Currently, he's on three general intravenous antibiotics as Dr. Hirsch continues to narrow down the possible source of the infection. The barium helped, and his condition was much improved by mid-morning when State and Dornacher went to visit the Super Star, however, his overall condition was not as good as the day before.

Long John was weak, and while excited to see State and Dornacher, did not have the energy to wag his tail. His breathing is labored, and he's lost at least a pound, if not more (his normal weight is 10.5 pounds). He's the skinniest he's ever been, and his face is sunken. At day's end, Dr. Hirsch proclaimed Long John's condition as stable, and is awaiting lab test results.

Currently, Dr. Hirsch believes there may be a chance his condition is brought on by Addison's Disease, a rare disorder that impedes one's ability to respond to physical stress through improperly functioning adrenal glands. It is a condition that can be managed through prescription medications. If Long John tests positive, there is a specific course of action to treat him.

However, if he tests negative, then he is most likely suffering from a severe case o H.G.E. (which he had in June 2000), which can be brought on by any number of food-borne bacteria, and is treatable through a number of antibiotics. At this time, Dr. Hirsch does not want to overmedicate, and is trying to rule out possibilities before aggressively attacking the infection.

Long John, who has balloons attached to his cage, would like to thank his fans worldwide for their love and support. Visit the home page of Barnes Place.com for the latest updates throughout the day on Long John's condition.

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