Head tilting to the side

Question
I have had my rat for about 13 days and she has been actin fine. But when i called her name and she walked out of her hide away from sleeping her head was tilted to the side slightly. I picked her up and she rubbed her head against my arm and her head was still tilted and she falls over in her cage as though she can't balance herself. What do you think is wrong with her?

Answer
She has an inner (middle ear) infection called otitis media.  
The reason she is off balance and her head is tilting is because the inflammation from the infection is putting pressure on the nerve that controls equilibrium so she may seem clumsy, dizzy, may even walk in circles or spin and of course, tilt her head.  The treatment is simple but aggressive. She will need the proper antibiotics and steroids for inflammation.  If she only gets antibiotics, it takes longer for the head tilt to go away, but no matter what, it is treatable by a qualified vet that knows how to treat exotics, including rats, of course:)

If you need a vet, please let me know and I will be glad to give you names of some once I know your location.

Please read more about middle ear infection/head tilt in rats on my website, URL below. There is even a photo of a little rat with head tilt.

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/offbalanceheadtilt.htm