i dont no whats wrong with my rat

Question
hi. my names randi. and i have a little baby rat that i got from the pet store not that long ago. its always ran all around and been really hyper. but now all of a sudden it cant walk without falling and stumbling all around. it can barely walk at all! itll eat and drink but its hard for it too. it just lays down all day with its eyes half open, or not open at all. and whenever you touch it or try n move it or the blanket that its on or anything it squeels. i dont no whats wrong with it. weve been tryin to move it side to side so its not on one side for too long, and we hand feed it and hold the bottle of water up for it. but, i just dont no what else to do! my fiance is supposed to be taking it to the vet. but ive been reading about all these articles that say a vet wont no what to do. and could even make the rat worse. we took it to the pet store were we got it and they said it was probly an ear infection. but i just dont see an ear infection causing all these problems. i love my rat more than anything and dont no what to do. i really hope that you can help!

Answer
Hi Randi

What is your zip code? I can find a vet that will know what to do with this little rat.

It could be something as simple as an inner ear infection which throws their equilibrium off and they lose their balance and cant walk because of pressure on the 8th cranial nerve. Believe it or not these ear infections can be brutal and can really cause them to act drunk.

As you know though, he does sound really sick and needs help so hopefully we can find someone right away.

If I have your zip code I can find a vet that will know what to do and you can call for an emergency visit today.  Tomorrow may be too late.

I will check back for your answer! Hang in there, hopefully we can get him to the vets.  You didnt say if this is male or female?