From what I understand about the current breeding practices of dwarf gourami suppliers I shouldn't really be surprised. I "rescued" this little guy from walmart. He looked to be in good shape at the time but who knows where he came from or what conditions he was raised in? He's probably terribly inbred and carrying who-knows-what kind of genetic time-bombs.
Well I suppose if you have no plans on breeding him you should be ok. I asked my DH he said it's not unheard of either. He also told me certain sounds (some that we can't even hear sometimes) can send fish into a seizure. He said if they have a spine then of course they can have neurological issues. And don't feel bad, sometimes I need someone to talk to about my fish too glad you chose us!