a little about me
6/4/26 - Medical Update
After being take off meds Sushi again experienced an increase in neck pain and several episodes of discomfort. After evaluation, our veterinarian believes her symptoms may be related either to a flare of her Caudal Occipital Malformation (COMS) or to cervical disc disease (IVDD). At this time, it is impossible to determine the exact cause without advanced imaging.
Sushi's gabapentin dosage has been increased, and she has started a one-month course of Metacam to help control her pain and inflammation. We will monitor her response closely over the coming weeks.
While a neurological consultation and MRI may be needed in the future, Sushi has a history of complications associated with anesthesia due to her underlying medical conditions. Because of this, our veterinarian feels it is reasonable to pursue medical management first and assess her response before considering more advanced diagnostics.
Despite these recent challenges, Sushi remains her sweet, spirited little self and is surrounded by love and excellent care. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.
3/1/26 - Medical Update
Sushi, our brave little girl with Caudal Occipital Malformation (COMS) and epilepsy, recently experienced a sudden episode of significant neck pain. After evaluation, our veterinarian believes this was likely a flare related to her COMS.
She received a dexamethasone injection for immediate relief, her gabapentin dosage has been temporarily increased, and she has begun a two-week course of prednisone. We will reassess her condition once the medication course is complete.
At this time, it is unclear whether this episode represents a temporary flare or progression of her condition. For now, Sushi is resting comfortably and responding to treatment. We will continue to monitor her closely and provide updates as we learn more.
As always, she is surrounded by love and receiving the best care possible.
11-13-25 - Sushi's GI issues thankfully, have resolved. Just a reminder about Sushi
She must remain on her medications around the clock.
Keppra every 8 hours.
Gabapentin every 8 hours
Omeprazole every 12 hours
She is no longer on prescription food.
Her medical diagnosis:
1. presumed microvascular dysplasia
2. caudal occipital malformation (COMS) and associated congenital issues
3. epilepsy
4. possible movement disorder
Sushi is a happy, social pup! Due to her medical issues and size, she is not available to a home with young children. Sushi is a happy pup and loves to play with her foster siblings. Her future home should have at least one other young, small pup that loves to play!
Sushi would do best with a stay at home caretaker. She also loves her foster siblings and would love to have another companion or two. She sleeps on a pillow next to her foster mom but also cuddled up with another foster pup. Because she has been with us for some time, we do want to do a local, slow adoption so that the adjustment will be easier for her.
She is located in Kemah, TX.
She is coming along in the housebreaking department, but does have some accidents.
She loves to cuddle at night with her human.
It is advised that her adoptive home have access to, not only regular veterinary care, but also a neurologists and vet dentist. She has twice had issues with seizures after being anesthetized so special care must be taken.
Sushi's medical/neurological conditions are not "curable" but are "treatable". She should be fine as long as her meds are continued. She does have occasional yelping episodes which may be related to fluid on her brain, or the fact she is a bit of a drama queen. Difficult to determine but thankfully they are short lived.
1/20/25 - Sushi has had some issues with her bowels that we are trying to manage. Nothing alarming....just disturbing for her. She gets very upset when things are even a bit out of kilter. She thankfully has not had any recent neurological issues.
8/8/2024 – Sushi has been feeling unwell lately due to some gastrointestinal issues. She’s managing okay but will need her labs repeated in 10 days. We are hopeful for an improvement in her numbers.
11/18/2023 – Sushi underwent a dental procedure on 11/9. To our surprise, she lost 11 teeth. We were aware she might lose her incisors, but several molars also had issues. Thankfully, she has been seizure-free since then, and we believe we know how to proceed for any future anesthetic procedures.
11/9/2023 – Sushi’s dental appointment is set for tomorrow. We appreciate your positive thoughts and prayers.
10/9/2023 – Sushi’s veterinarian has been consulting with various specialists, including her neurologist and anesthesiologists, regarding anesthesia for her upcoming dental procedure. She has undergone anesthesia four times, and each time she experienced seizures within 48 hours post-procedure, becoming increasingly severe, with an ICU stay in 2022.
The consensus is that the seizures may be due to her hydrocephalus or possibly hepatic microdysplasia, not attributed to COMS. To mitigate the risk, her Gabapentin and Keppra dosages will be increased for two days before and continue for two days after her dental procedure. Adjustments will also be made to her pre-anesthesia medications. Additionally, she will have two extra medications at home for potential issues: Trazodone for anxiety and Chlorazepate for seizures. We’ll provide an update once her dental date is confirmed, and we would greatly appreciate prayers and good thoughts for Miss Sushi. Although we’d like to avoid this procedure, it is necessary.
3/16/2023 – Sushi recently started exhibiting neurological symptoms accompanied by painful yelping. Thankfully, after doubling her Gabapentin dose, she has shown improvement.
Her previous post outlines her medical issues and the care she requires.
12/8/2022 – Sushi is doing well, but she needs to remain on her medications around the clock:
- Keppra every 8 hours
- Gabapentin every 8 hours
- Omeprazole every 12 hours
She is no longer on prescription food.
Her medical diagnoses include:
- Presumed microvascular dysplasia
- Caudal occipital malformation (COMS) with associated congenital issues
- Epilepsy
- Possible movement disorder
Sushi is a happy, social pup! Due to her medical conditions and size, she is not suitable for a home with young children. She enjoys playing with her foster siblings and loves to cuddle at night with her human.
Her future home should ideally include at least one other young, small dog that loves to play. She is making progress with housebreaking but may have some accidents.
It is important that her adoptive home has access to regular veterinary care, as well as a neurologist and veterinary dentist. Given her history of seizures following anesthesia, special care must be taken.
Sushi’s medical and neurological conditions are not “curable” but are “treatable.” As long as she continues her medication, she should be fine. Occasionally, she experiences yelping episodes that may relate to fluid on her brain or her dramatic personality—it’s tough to tell, though they are usually brief.
9/1/2022 – Sushi had an MRI on August 29, and a spinal tap was also performed. She was discharged later that day and is doing well.
Her diagnosis includes:
- Suspect paroxysmal dyskinesia (unclassified movement disorder)
- Suspect idiopathic epilepsy
- Caudal occipital malformation with mild ventriculomegaly
Her medications have been adjusted, and she has been placed on a prescription diet—Royal Canin Hydrolyzed.
We are incredibly grateful for your donations and the loving messages we have received for Sushi.
8/27/2022 – Sushi began showing neurological issues and, despite increased medication, started having heightened seizures. By the evening, it escalated into an emergency, necessitating hospitalization at the Specialty Hospital. She will remain under close monitoring and medication until at least Monday, 8/29/22, when she will be transferred to the neurological service within the hospital. She is in good hands at the same facility that initially diagnosed her with epilepsy and COMS.
1/6/2022 – Sushi is a happy pup who adores playing with her foster siblings. Her future home should have at least one other young, small dog that enjoys playtime. She is progressing with housebreaking but still has occasional accidents. Sushi loves to cuddle at night.
Having been evaluated by the neurologist in November, her medications remain the same. Her medical and neurological issues are considered “treatable,” not “curable.” As long as her medication regimen continues, she should do well.
