Sick baby rat girl

Question
QUESTION: I have a baby girl Lucy who is about 10-12 weeks old that has just recently developed a lump behind her right ear.  She is also tilting her head/whole body practically to that right side, walking in circles and fumbling a lot. The lump is directly behind her ear and I can see dark stuff in her ear, so I read your website and thought maybe it sounded like the inner ear infection but have not heard back from Vet yet on when they can see her.  I wanted your opinion.

Thanks

ANSWER: Yes it sounds like it. She needs antibiotics and steroids to recover. Dont let the vet tell you she has any kind of bad tumor etc...

She will need a chance to respond to the medication and if she isnt given something for inflammation she will continue with the head tilt and walking in circles for a long time.  

Is your vet an exotic vet or just a regular vet that sees exotics? Big difference between the two.

Please let me know!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Our vet see's exotic animals, I actually just got back from the vet's office after waiting for 2 hrs.   Anyway, they said it was an ear infection and an abscess.  My vet drained it and then gave me a mixture of antibiotics for her to take but no steroids.  Should I ask my vet about steroids or just wait to see how she reacts to her antibiotics?

Thanks again!

-erin

Answer
Thats the problem....just a vet that sees exotics.  She should have had steroids or at least an NSAID, metacam at least. however, getting the vet to admit to needing this will be like pulling teeth. If she doesnt show any signs of improvement within a few days, yes, tell the vet you have consulted with a rat care specialist (and not to toot our own horn, but many of us know a bit more about rat care than these vets because this is what  our main focus is, not in many other species too but  simply just rats and their care and well being)

Here is the deal with ear infections: The inflammation causes pressure on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is also known as the 8th cranial          nerve. This nerve controls balance and is why she is off kilter.

When the rat is given only antibiotics it takes much longer to recover and a vet that is not up to par on rat care may panic and think its a brain tumor rather than an ear infection.  This is why its important to use the proper meds.

Hopefully today you tell me you see improvement. I would be so happy to hear this!