Cavy not balanced

Question
We have a Cavy (Ginger) about 3 yrs old. She weighs approx 1080 grams. Up till 3 days ago, she was fine, no problems other than a slight head tilt. I really didn't think a lot about it, as it seemed genetic. Sat I got her out of the cage and she leaped out of my wife's hands and fell to the floor (a fall of about 2.5 feet). She didnt fall on her head but like a cat...on all fours. AFterwards,she seemed 'unsteady' on her feet, like she didn't want to move around. I thought at first she was scared so I didn't really think a lot about it that day. But on Sunday she didn't seem better. The front end seemed ok but the backend didn't seem right. If you picked her up, she would kick as normal to be let down. I felt her flanks and didnt feel anything out of the ordinary. I mde an appointment on MOnday with a vet and took her on tuesday morning. The vet did specilise in 'pocket pets' and seemed confident about it. She concluded that she thought she had an middle ear infection or a head trauma from the fall. She put her on Baytril and another drug (anti inflammatory in case of head swelling). Today is about 40 hrs since the vet trip and she seems better to a degree. She's not as unsteady on her feet and her apptite is normal (eats everything in site). 2 questions though:

(1) I've read that ear infections are fatal. If this was the case, I don't see why the vet give her medicine for it.

(2) I've also read that yogurt is good to give a pig if they are on medicines (somethign to do with the bacteria in their little bellies). But I don't see how yogurt could help as it is not a live culture. Should I feed her some yogurt?

Just trying to take care of her the best way I know how. Your thoughts?


Answer
Hi Tony

I think it very unlikely that your pig would be injured at all after a fall of just 2.5 feet. They are sturdy little creatures.

It does seem odd that the vet diagnosed EITHER ear infection or head trauma. These two conditions seem totally unrelated to me.

According to my research, ear infections can easily be treated with antibiotics, but this would certainly explain the unsteadiness on your pig's feet. I doubt very much that she suffered a head trauma.

I haven't heard the thing about yoghurt, although it does make sense. From my experience, I doubt pigs would like to eat yoghurt.

Due to the fact that she is eating fine, I doubt very much that you have anything to worry about.

All the best

andy