my guinea pig has a head tilt

Question
I have 2 male guineas that haven't been very well recently. They've both had upper respiratory infections. I took them straight to the vets and they've been on 'septrin' anti biotics. One of my boys has made a 100% recovery and is looking really well. BUT. His brother developed a head tilt started walking around in circles and has very bad balance. He's been back to the vets since and has been put on anti-inflammatories which didn't do anything, infact now he's worse and falls over when ever I put him down because his head is still tipping so much he's still eating plenty and drinking a lot.. I really don't know what it could be because none of his meds are working and he seems under so much stress

Answer
It sounds very much like an inner ear infection. When the little area inside the ear becomes inflamed it causes the pig (and humans) to lose their equilibrium. If you can imagine how a level works you can get an idea of what happens inside the ear.

The little glass tube in a carpenter's level has about 3/4 water and 1/4 air. When it's held at level the air bubble is in the middle. When it's tipped the air bubble floats to the top. In our middle ear a similar thing happens.

When there's an infection or injury to the middle ear the 'bubble' can no longer find it's way to the center or the top. So when the head is tilted the balancing mechanism falters and causes the animal (or human) to lean to one side or to tend to spin to the side in a circle.

This is often treatable but not always completely curable. I had a pig with the same thing. We treated him with a course of Prednisolone (a liquid form of Prednisone). It took down the inflammation and he was better, but never was fully able to correct his position because of permanent damage to the inner ear.

When picked up and held upright he would tip his head to the right. If he was put down too quickly he lost his balance and fell. As long as he remained in a normal position he was 90% better.

What you have to do is be extremely cautious in picking him up as it causes the room to spin to him. Similar to turning in a circle round and round until you get dizzy and fall.  As children most of us have played those games just for the thrill of feeling it.  But can you imagine living you daily life that way.

You're right, he's under stress. Just don't pick him up unless you have to. He will most likely get better, but never be 100% again. If you have to pick him up keep him in a normal pig posture, with four feet underneath him.  When you put him back in the cage set him down very gently in the same position. That will minimize his falling over.

Respiratory infections can commonly cause ear issues because of the close anatomical relation to the Eustachian tubes and the nasal passages. That's why when you cough or sneeze hard your ears pop. It's very similar in animals.

He will improve in time. Just be patient. And understand that he has a handicap that needs special attention. Just pet him while he's standing on his own legs rather than lifting him up. He just has special needs now and needs your love and kindness more than ever.