my rat leans to the left

Question
QUESTION: My female, silver rex dumbo showed signs of equilibrium problems last night. She leans to the left and walks off balance. She shakes her head frequently. She eats, drinks and grooms herself, but is less energetic and doesn't move as fast as she did. She is about 14 months old and has had one litter of babies about 8 months ago. She resides with 2 of her female babies and they all eat the same foods and no one is acting odd except for her. She shows no sign of pain, there are no visible tumors or cysts. I assume it is an inner ear problem or a tumor of some sort. Thanks for your time. I really appreciate any insight you might be able to give. I'm quite fond of the little girl and hope she isn't seriously ill.

ANSWER: Sounds like an ear infection for sure. I dont think it sounds like a tumor. Usually they lose the use of their front paws and are really weak.

How is she today?

She will for sure need antibiotics and something for inflammation to help her recover. Do you have an exotic vet?

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

QUESTION: She is about the same, to somewhat better on her balance. I'm looking for an exotic vet, but not having much luck with that and have been researching for alternatives. It's been about 36 hours since we noticed symptoms.

Answer
Often there is pressure on the 8th cranial nerve which is why the rat tends to have what is referred to as head tilt. The reason for steroids (I prefer steroids over NSAIDS such as metacam) is to help relieve the inflammation and get the pressure off of the nerve in the brain.

When dealing with a pituitary adenoma, the rat can decline rapidly and lose its balance, often walking in a circle or spinning when they walk. This is also classic with otitis media (inner ear infection) but not as severe. As stated above, when the rat loses its ability to grip with her front paws, this is more classic to PT rather than ear infections.

Usually this manifests itself after menopause, which takes place around 18 months and older. Once the rats estrus cycle ceases, the levels of estrogen rise which often fuel the growth of mammary tumors and also fuel the growth of PTs, which may have already started before the rats estrus cycles cease. Prevention is usually spaying the female between the ages of 3 to 5 months. Males are not prone to PTs but they do get them on occasion.  They also get mammary tumors but usually its an isolated incident an they do not continue to return like they do with females.

Cause is often related to mycoplamosis and baytril is the best antibiotic to treat the ear infection. Many people tend to think myco is just for respiratory infections but it can also trigger ear infection, urinary tract infection and even uterine infections in intact females.

That said, I can help you find a vet if you want. All I need is your zip code.  I am sorry I did not go into more detail previously, I just wanted to make sure she was still having problems before blabbing away!