Possible stroke?

Question
Sandra,  Our 1 1/2 yr. old little girl was great yesterday playing, eating climbing, etc.  This morning my daughter came in a said that "Dottie" is "leaning" and her head is tilting.  She does seem to have some weakness on the left when she walks, kind of goes in circles some (sort of swerving).  She is able to drink fine and eat soft foods.  She still wants to run around.  Is it possible she's had a stroke and if so, what is proper care for her and what can we do to help her regain her strength?

Answer
Hi Shelley'

Good news! She has an inner ear infection and all she needs is some antibiotics and something for inflammation and she will be good to go.
The head tilt may hang around a bit longer even after infection is gone but that is expected. It usually goes away eventually. With a stroke they do not walk in circles but this is classic signs of inflammation on the 8th cranial nerve which is what helps the rats balance.

Do you have a vet for her? She will need to see a vet that is qualfied in rat care but even if they just handle minor ailments, this is indeed something that can be treated with medication.  It is best to treat it as soon as possible though since the infection is in the inner ear which is close to the brain.

If you need a good vet please allow me to help you find one. all I need is  your zip code and I will locate someone qualified to  treat rats for you if you dont have somone already.

hope this helps

Sandy