Possible Ear Infection?

Question
Yesterday I went to handle my female mouse and I noticed that her head is tilted to the left and she is having a hard time balancing. There is no discharge coming from her ear but I suspect that this is an ear infection. How can I treat this? I have read that doxycycline can help? I have capsules at my house that were prescribed to me a while ago. Can I use them? Please answer soon, I think she is in pain!!

Thanks Maddy

Answer
Hi Maddy,

Yes, that sounds like it could be an ear infection!  A couple of other things can cause head tilt, but ear infections are probably the most common and are also the easiest to treat.

I cannot ethically support you giving her your own doxycycline, however, and it is likely the concentration would be high and difficult to administer anyways.  The best thing to do would be to visit a veterinarian in your area who works with pocket pets like mice and request an antibiotic like Baytril, tetracycline, or similar antibiotic.  They will be able to get you the correct dosage and form of the drug.  There are several options available to you, but it needs to come from a vet, vet supplier, or pet store.

If a vet is absolutely not an option at all, please write me back and I will see if I can help.  However, the very best thing to do is treat it quickly to reduce the chance of ear damage, and the best person for that is a professional veterinarian who can get you the right medication the first time.

Best of luck!
-Tam