Mochi: health reference

Documented health information for Mochi, a male white miniature Pomeranian, including specialist findings, test results and dated updates.

Born
Pet Practice history
Age today
Born 30 March 2024
Breed and sex
Male white miniature Pomeranian
Specialist visit
DWR Veterinary Specialists, Report dated
Weight at that visit
1.8 kg, body condition score 4/9 Historical value, not current
Latest family update
Page reviewed

Liver

Specialist report

CT found no evidence of a macroscopic portosystemic shunt, meaning no visible large blood vessel bypassing the liver. Because some signs had improved with treatment, DWR considered another form of hepatic dysfunction possible, such as portal vein hypoplasia without portal hypertension.

The report did not confirm microvascular dysplasia (MVD). An elevated bile acid result on its own does not establish that diagnosis.

Bile acid results recorded in the May 2025 referral reportValues in µmol/L. The exact test date is not given in the report. These are historical results and not a measure of liver function today.
SampleResultLaboratory reference rangeCompared with range
Before food (pre-prandial)3.2 µmol/L0.1 to 5.0 µmol/LWithin range
After food (post-prandial)63.6 µmol/L0.1 to 10.0 µmol/LAbove range

Repeat bile acids were pending when the report was written. No later result is included in the material reviewed for this page.

Background reading: Merck Veterinary Manual on hepatic portal venous hypoperfusion

Other findings from the May 2025 investigation

Specialist report

Breathing and airways

Severe deviation of the nasal septum and a moderately elongated soft palate. DWR considered his airway shape and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) the likely explanation for his respiratory signs.

About BOAS: American College of Veterinary Surgeons

Skull and spine

Several skull sutures had not fused, leaving open fontanelles. Imaging also showed an enlarged opening at the base of the skull, mild kinking of the brainstem and a malformed tail vertebra. Their contribution to his symptoms was uncertain and further imaging was discussed.

Teeth and jaw

Teeth were crowded, rotated or distorted, with retained baby teeth and missing adult teeth. DWR thought the dental changes could cause discomfort and reduced appetite. The jaw shape changes were considered likely incidental.

Urinary tract

Small mineralised areas in the left kidney and bladder were interpreted as stones. Calcium oxalate was raised as a possibility and the composition was not confirmed. The May urine sample showed no evidence of infection or inflammation.

Coat and skin

Symmetrical hair loss remained unexplained. Alopecia X was listed as a possibility and was not a confirmed diagnosis.

Reproductive organs and joints

Both testes were within the abdomen at the time of CT. Both kneecaps were prone to slipping out of place. These describe the May 2025 examination and not his current neutering or surgical status.

Signs reported before referral

  • Pacing, circling, behaviour changes and sudden head jerks.
  • Vomiting, drooling, reduced appetite and excessive licking.
  • Increased drinking, frequent urination and difficulty emptying the bladder.
  • Noisy breathing, sneezing, hair loss and occasional hind leg lameness.

Several of these signs were not seen during the hospital stay.

Examination and test results recorded in the report

General
Bright and responsive
Weight
1.8 kg
Body condition score
4/9
Routine blood tests
No significant abnormalities
Fasting ammonia
29 µmol/L, within range
Neurological examination
Normal apart from an inconsistent menace response
Earlier IGF-1 test
Did not support dwarfism
Dexamethasone suppression test
Did not support hypercortisolism
Urine sample
No evidence of infection or inflammation
Earlier bile acids
See the Liver table

Timeline

  1. Specialist report

    Lactulose, amoxicillin-clavulanate and a hepatic diet were started for suspected liver dysfunction. The DWR report later recorded improvement in drinking, urination and head jerking.

  2. 15 to 17 May 2025
    Specialist report

    Investigation at DWR including CT. Multiple congenital differences were recorded and no macroscopic liver shunt was seen. Repeat bile acids, vitamin B12 and a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio were pending when the report was written on 17 May.

  3. Family reportRecord summary

    Right-eye episode.

  4. Late June 2026
    Family reportRecord summary

    Recurrence of the right-eye problem.

  5. Family report

    The family reported attending an eye specialist at Granta, where a dental or orbital cause was discussed. No written conclusion was available for this summary.

  6. Family report

    Fall from the sofa, followed by an injury to the left eye. This is a separate problem from the right-eye episodes above.

  7. Family report

    Recheck of the left eye. The vet was reportedly not concerned and advised allowing it to heal.

  8. Family report

    Family update: the left-eye injury had improved over many weeks and the swelling below the eye became barely visible in about five weeks. This is an owner-reported recovery update and not a new written diagnosis.

Treatment history

May 2025 discharge

Specialist report

DWR advised continuing lactulose as needed, stopping amoxicillin-clavulanate (Kesium) and considering alternative foods. Pain relief and anxiety medication were prescribed for use as needed.

Later prescriptions and 2026 family notes

Record summaryFamily report

Kesium was used again after the May 2025 discharge. The family's July 2026 form also listed lactulose, melatonin and several renal or hepatic foods. These are dated reports of use.

Follow-up results

Specialist report

Repeat bile acids, vitamin B12 and a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio were pending on 17 May 2025. Later results are not in the material reviewed for this page.

Current diet and medication are matters for Mochi's treating vet.