blind guinea pig

Question
We purchased a guinea pig (Stuart)about three weeks ago.  He seemed to be in good health, but up until a week ago he started acting very strange.  It all started with a build-up around his eyes.  I called the pet store and was told this probably occurred because I used the litter that came in the starter kit; they really don't recommend that.  They could have told me this when I purchased the animal.  Well now, Stuart is not walking very well.  He drags the back part of his body, and he seems to be losing his balance.  he falls to the side and sometimes, he just walks in circles.  He also has been very frantic when I stick my hand in his cage.  Our Vet told us he probably has a severe infection which has affected his brain, or it could have something to do with his central nervous system.  Our Vet also said, Stuart is probably blind.  I, and my five-year-old son, are very attached to Stuart and would hate to lose him.  Does what our Vet told us sound right to you?  I am currently using an ear flush on Stuart and he is on an antibiotic.

Answer
He could possibly have Cerebellar disease otherwise know as Torticollis a middle ear infection, this usually accompanied by circling to one side and falling over to one side. Guinea pigs with this can be treated with antibiotics and a steroid shot of betamethasone, you might want to see if your vet would like to treat him with steriods. A lot of the time though the pig can not be fully cured from this condition, they still may walk to one side and not be as balanced, but steroids should help some. Also increase his vitamins, some times paralysis is from a vitamin deficiency, even if it is not in his case vitamins can't hurt. He could possibly be blind but it really sounds like he has an inner ear infection with his symptoms. He could have possibly had a seizure that caused brain and nerve damage and possibly blindness from an inner ear infection, it is really hard to tell. I would contact your vet though and see if he'd like to use a shot of betametasone steriods for treatment, and continue the antibiotic use, he may never be fully cured but it should help some. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Brittany