rat ears and eyes

Question
QUESTION: Dear Sandra,
My baby rat (about 3 months old) recently had a slight head tilt which went away after a day or so. The other day, she had a very severe head tilt and could not walk, she only rolled around. Worried she was in pain for an ear infection, i rushed her to a vet. Unfortunately, the only exotics vet was away on vacation, so I had to take her to someone who does not specialize in small pets. The vet prescribed Baytril 22.7mg/ml at 0.5 cc by mouth to be given twice a day and gave her a shot of it in the office along with one to hydrate her as she could not reach her water bottle. I have administered it for 2 days now (4 doses) and have seen no improvement. She simply lays on her side all day and does not move, though she willingly takes the medication. Today, when I went to give her the medicine, I noticed  that when I picked her up off of the side she is laying on (left side) that her left eye looks funny. The eye looks dull instead of gleaming black like normal and is twitching. It almost looks like she is looking down because the white-ish lid is visible. She is still cuddly and enjoys my company though it has been hard getting her to drink water and she has started squeaking when I pick her up. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for my little baby Gray.

ANSWER: Hi Heather
Ear ear infections take time to improve, especially the head tilt.
However, head tilt doesnt always mean ear infection, and it could be This baby rat also needs to be on something for inflammation or this head tilt will take super long to improve. THe reason for the tilt is because there is pressure on the 8th cranial nerve and this is what controls the equilibrium.
You need to push fluids, lower the water bottle for her and feed her baby food several times a day to keep her strong.
Is this exotic vet a certified exotic vet or just a vet that sees dogs, cats and exotics on the side as a special interest? I can help you if you want to find another vet for her because she should be seen right away. I can find one for you if you want, just let me know your zip code.

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QUESTION: She is refusing to eat now or take any liquids including her medication. Her left eye looks even more dried out now and she is squeaking whenever touched. She won't even take her favorite treats. I am very worried about her making it through the night. My zip is 84106.

Answer

I wish I saw this earlier. I was out for the evening and just read this now!  Have you gone here?

Dr. Laurel Harri
Wasatch Exotic Pet Care Inc.    
2675 Parley's Way
Salt Lake City UT 84109
Phone:    801-485-4736
Website:www.wasatchexotic.com

Taken from their website:

Emergency Pet Care

In case of animal emergency, please contact us at 801-485-4736.

Dr. Harris is usually available to personally provide after-hours emergency care, and will provide a cell phone number to established clients for this purpose. The main office line will otherwise roll over to Pet ER. They may or may not see exotic species, depending on which doctor is on duty on a given night. You may also try Central Emergency Animal Clinic at 487-1325 or Animal Emergency South at 571-8050.