gerbil walking weird

Question
hello: my 2 year old gerbil tilts his head to one side and is walking in a strange way... like he is disoriented or something. he has been like that for 3 days now but, apart from that he looks ok.  he eats, drinks, poops ok. (I lowered his water and put his food near him so that he has an easy access to it).  he has recently been separated from his cage mate because they were starting to fight. Could he be stressed or miss his cage mate? maybe he feels alone now. I have also read that it could be an ear infection or cyst... what do you suggest?  please help cause the vets where I live know little or nothing about this small animals.  

Answer
Hello Luciana,

Yes it could possibly be an ear infection which would cause the head to tilt, although it could be something much more serious.

Brain tumours and strokes also have these side effects, and tend to be more common in older gerbils (2+).

Gerbils can get over strokes very well sometimes so keeping food and water in good reach is essential (which you are doing)!

Unfortunately without seeing the gerbil and examining it, it is very difficult to assess what is wrong with it, and could be any of these above or even something different.

All of these really need veterinary attention, as an ear infection will need treating with antibiotics, and the other two more serious problems may need further attention.

Have a search on the internet and see if you can find a specialist small animal vet in your area, as i do really think you need to have him seen to!!

I hope this helps, sorry i can't tell you what is definitely wrong with him!

If you want to ask anything else feel free!!

Thanks,
Charlie