Loss of co-ordination and balance or head tilt in rats

Although loss of balance and head tilt may be caused by several medical conditions, the following is the most common:

EAR INFECTION:

A myco flare-up can often lead to an ear infection in rats. Symptoms may include:

* Head tilt

* Scratching ear

* Poor balance and/or circling.

* Foul or sweet smelling drainage from ear in more advanced infections.

* In severe cases, rolling, inability to stand and feed or care for itself.

Treatment with antibiotics as well as a corticosteroid should start as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Sometimes a rat is left with a slight permanent head tilt but they adapt easily and may still lead a quality life. Most rats recover completely with prompt treatment.

STROKE

Sudden bleeding or disruption of circulation of blood in the brain and decreased flow of oxygen causing death of cells and possible neurological problems, often only affecting one side. (Not to be confused with seizures) Symptoms may include:

* loss of balance and/or co-ordination.

* head tilt

* extreme lethargy

* irregular abnormal breathing

* unequal pupil size or blindness

* paralysis (often one side only)

* Change of behaviour

* May lead to coma or death

* loss of bladder function

Treatment may include:

Administering of oxygen, Lasix to control swelling in the brain, Corticosteroids or prednisone to decrease inflammation and an anticonvulsant to decrease seizure activity. Administer medicines aas prescribed by your vet. Keep the rat in a one level cage and assist with eating and cleaning until the rat recovers. Many rats will recover to some degree and can still lead a quality life.

PITUITARY TUMOR

Often clinical signs over a long period of time as the tumour grows. May show any of the following:

* Difficulty holding food or stiffness of forelimbs.

* Change in behaviour, often becoming aggressive.

* Circling, head tilt, seizures or lack of coordination.

* This will also have an influence on the rats hormones which may cause thinning of coat, weight loss, excessive thirst, excessive urine, lactation in non-pregnant females or decreased fertility.

A PT can be diagnosed with an MRI, x-ray or testing of hormone levels, but often it can only be confirmed with a necropsy.

A rat can be treated with dopamine, but it usually takes a number of weeks before it will reduce the size of the tumour. Most rats usually only show symptoms when at an advanced state, so the owner needs to make the responsible decision to not allow the rat to suffer unnecessarily.

http://ratguide.com/health/

#headtilt #earinfection #headtiltlossofbalance