inner ear infection.

Question
I wrote 8-18-08 and I think my response may have gotten deleted in my inbox.  I wrote about my rat who has a inner ear infection.  Vet prescribed metronidazole and doxycycline.  Asked for a steroid, but wouldnt prescribe.  I found today that its ok to give Motrin.  How much would I give her?  Shes a medium sized rat who has lost some weight during her illness.

Answer
   THis is what I wrote previously to you.
As for motrin, it must be childrens motrin and you need to know exactly how much she weighs to dose safely.  Read my response below. You need a better vet, to be honest.
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Hi Angie

The reason the rat is dizzy is because of inflammation on the 8th cranial nerve in the inner ear. This is what controls balance. Anything, even something that is not a steroid that is used for inflammation such as metacam will help.

Flagyl (metronidazole ) is ABSOLUTELY one drug that should NEVER be used on rats and mice. Why?  Because it is a known carcinogen on rats and mice. This alone is going to cause MORE TROUBLE for your rat than the ear infection. Stop using it at once and find a new Vet before he kills your rat.

Check the warning on this site about it being a cancer causing agent for rats and mice:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/metronidaz.htm

Please allow me to find another vet for you. You cannot keep taking your rat to a vet that gives it medication that is known to cause cancer in rats.