Circling rat, help!!

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

My rat Rudy is a year and a half and until recently has been very healthy. I adopted him and his brother after his previous owner could no longer care for them, I dont think they were well looked after and unfortunately, they cant be handled properly as they sometimes bite.

The last couple of days ive noticed that Rudy has been not so steady on his feet, he almost looked a little drunk, today however he is really bad. He came out for some treats and almost fell off the couch. His head is circling about quite frantically and he cant seem to walk properly without falling over. From some of the things ive read on this site he might have an ear infection? He does have a sneeze and red discharge from his eyes and nose which i know are signs of respiratory infection. I was wondering if he may have had a stroke and if so will he recover?

Im going to take him to the vet on monday but im worried the vet wont be able to treat him properly as he bites. Also, is there anything i should be asking the vet when I go? The last time I was there with my other rat Vince they were pretty vague on his condition.

I appreciate any advice, although Rudy is not the snuggliest rat, i love him very much and cant bare to see him struggling.

Thanks, Charlotte.

ANSWER: Hi Charlotte

Sounds like classic inner ear infection. Baytril, doxycycline and metacam or prednisone and he will be good as new. The cirlcing is classic to ear infection due to his balance being off from inflammation deep within the ear. His head may tilt to the side and that is common but it may take longer to go away than the balance problems.

Do you have an exotic vet to see? This is such a commonly seen thing, if they vet is not sure what this is....I would worry about his experience with rats in general!

Let me know......

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QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply,

I had a look and there used to be an exotic vet at the surgery  I usually go to but he has now left. I live in Aberdeen, scotland and I cant seem to find any other exotic vets. I should probably have more faith in my vet! Im sure when i take Rudy tomorrow he will give him the best treatment. Its good to know there are experts out there like yourself to fire quick questions to. Thanks so much for the advice, I will let you know how Rudy gets on.

Thanks again, Charlotte.

ANSWER: This is the only listing with the Association of Exotic Mammal professionals I have for Scotland, but that doesn't mean there are not more out there. Believe it or not, there are only 150 of them world wide. Thats a shame because so many animal owners are now turning to small mammals as companion animals, such as ferrets, rats and yes, a skunk (with his defensive scent gland removed) are all becoming very popular household pets but there is  a lack of vets that have experience with them and these animals end up getting less than the proper care they deserve.

If the small mammal keeper educates themselves best they can they will always be a step ahead of most general vets and may be lucky enough to get the vet to even follow their advice.

Anyhow please feel free to contact me any time and I will be here for you if you need further help with this problem. I hope it is just his ears.


Dr. Alistair Lawrie
The Lawrie Veterinary Group    
25 Griffiths Street
Falkirk Central Scotland FK1 5QY
Phone:    01324--624361
Website:

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QUESTION: Hello again,

Just to let you know that I took Rudy to the vet on monday and she is treating him for an ear infection with Baytril. She was very helpful and understanding and he was so well behaved! he never bit anyone! He is a lot happier now but that head tilt is still there and probably will remain there.

Thanks for the advice, I will know where to come if I have anymore rat related enquiries!

Charlotte

Answer
Excellent!!  I am happy he is being treated. He should start to feel better soon. If he doesn't, call the vet right away and ask for prednisone or instead of steroids, metacam, which is an NSAID can also be used for the inflammation that causes his balance to be off. Hopefully systemic antibiotics are all that is warranted but sometimes it can be stubborn and takes another boost of a different type of medication to help speed things up.  You can also use my advice for reference if you think the Vet wont be offended. Most aren't, and are more than happy for outside information if they are not super experienced working with these vermin :-)
Keep me posted and you know where to reach me if you need further help. Hopefully he will recover without incident and be ready for Santa who is getting ready to take off any day now!!  :-)