My guinea Pig may have a neuro disorder

Question
Can a guinea pig survive a neurological disorder from head trauma?  My guinea pig appears to have had some type of trauma.  She loses her balance and sometimes drags her back legs.  She is eating and drinking fine and urinating and pooping fine.  She lifts her head a lot and sometimes runs in circles.  She no longer squeaks, but will "purr" when you rub her back.  She was treated for a possible ear infection and now she has an infection in her one eye which possibly occurred during the trauma or as a result.  We have another guinea pig who likes to be "dominant" and sometimes bullies our younger guinea pig (the one who is ill).  Any ideas?  The vet couldn't give me any answers.

Answer
Yes, head trauma can indeed leave her with the kind of neurological problems you describe as far as the loss of balance and running in circles. The loss of leg strength however, is not typical of an ear problem, but may mean she also suffered some type of injury to her spine.

The purring is a sign that she likes whatever you're doing. And that's a good thing. Being bullied by the dominant pig is also normal. There's always one "boss hog" in every cage. Fortunately it doesn't usually cause the victim any real harm. In packs or herds there is always an alpha and an omega (first and last) member.  The omegas accept their status and manage to thrive in spite of being the last to eat, etc.

The close anatomical position of eyes, ears and noses often cause infections to move to one or the other. There are close 'communications' or opening between the three. When you think how you can blow your nose and cause your ears to pop it gives you an idea of how they interact.

Ear infections are very tricky in guinea pigs. They quite often leave a residual problem such a loss of balance. She can still live a happy and healthy life, but may need some special consideration and patience for her neurological issues. The fact that she's eating and drinking normally that's a huge positive in her favor.