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Guinea Pig Head Tilt

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Taylor

Taylor

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hi everyone, I have two 7-8 month old guinea pigs. I noticed a few weeks ago that one of my guinea pigs Lucy was rolling around as if she was in pain she would roll onto her back quite often. It eventually stopped. This week i then noticed that she had a head tilt, so I done some researching and from what I have found it seems to be an ear infection? Sometimes her head will go back to normal and then it will tilt again its really weird. I was checking her ears today for any other signs of an ear infection, and I saw what looks like dried blood around her ears. I have attached a photo but it could be just her skin I cant see for certain. Just wondered if anyone had any advice? is it worth taking her to the vets? will they do something for her?
Any replies would be great thanks!

guinea pig forum.webp
 
I would definitely make a vets appointment asap.
The head tilt could have a number of causes and if she does have an ear infection it could be very painful for her.
It could also be something like ear mites or a neurological problem, but the best thing would be to see a vet for a firm diagnosis and proper treatment.
 
I agree she needs to see the vet. As Swissgreys has said the possibilities are ear mites, ear infection, something neurological or even a stroke though I don't think it is a stroke as you would have noticed a deterioration by now. An ear infection is usually treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.
 
i currently have a rabbit experiencing the same thing. Obviously could be EC but we now think its a severe ear infection. she tilts head to one side and went through episodes last week of physically rolling and other times she would move head about erratically!
She was on panacur all of may, then had a weeks break after shed finished baytril and panacur as she seemed better and then she relapsed so she's back on septrim, metacam and panacur, and going back to the vets tonight for a 2nd opinion
Definitely go to a vet....metacam will be vital in reducing any inflammation too
 
The picture looks like it's of the bald patch behind pigs ears to me. They all have them, and on darker skinned pigs it can look a bit like a dirty mark (brown),

But ditto the others, she definitely needs a vet appointment for a diagnosis.
 
thanks for all the replies I made an appointment this morning and managed to get in tonight. The vet wasn't sure what was wrong with her so she has sent me to another vets who are specialists at this, so I'm going to book an appointment. will keep you all updated :)
 
just an update went to the vets today seems she did have some sort of infection I have antibiotics for her ! :)
 
Yay, just monitor eating closely. An inner ear infection can throw off balance severely and make it difficult for them to eat as normal and sometimes antibiotics upset the digestive system. It's not a bad idea to get some recovery food like oxbow critical care to have on hand incase it is needed. Amazon has them cheap
 
Cookies&Glitter said:
Yay, just monitor eating closely. An inner ear infection can throw off balance severely and make it difficult for them to eat as normal and sometimes antibiotics upset the digestive system. It's not a bad idea to get some recovery food like oxbow critical care to have on hand incase it is needed. Amazon has them cheap
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Only given her them tonight she has been eating thankfully but it very sleepy thanks for the Advice I will buy some :)
 
How long is the course of antib's? If you dont see an improvement in a few days or she gets worse then take her back- ear mites would be the next possibility. The area in the picture looks like the normal bald patch behind a piggies ear, but does look irritated. You'll probably find shes been scratching that area excessively due to pain/irritation in the ear, which would point more to ear infection or mites which should both be treatable :-)
 
Adelle said:
How long is the course of antib's? If you dont see an improvement in a few days or she gets worse then take her back- ear mites would be the next possibility. The area in the picture looks like the normal bald patch behind a piggies ear, but does look irritated. You'll probably find shes been scratching that area excessively due to pain/irritation in the ear, which would point more to ear infection or mites which should both be treatable :-)
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10 days x
 
If there is no improvement within 5-7 days I would call the vet back, may need a different type or smthn stronger. Fingers crossed for fast improvement
 
Cookies&Glitter said:
If there is no improvement within 5-7 days I would call the vet back, may need a different type or smthn stronger. Fingers crossed for fast improvement
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no there doesn't seem to be any improvement the head tilt has gone now somehow? She is just very quiet, constantly sitting in the corner when usually she is the one running around I will have to take her back I think :(
 
Taylor said:
no there doesn't seem to be any improvement the head tilt has gone now somehow? She is just very quiet, constantly sitting in the corner when usually she is the one running around I will have to take her back I think :(
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How is her appetite and poos? The antibiotics could have upset her tummy, but its good the head tilt has resolved.

She still isn't right as you say so best to have the vet take another look at her xx
 
Adelle said:
How is her appetite and poos? The antibiotics could have upset her tummy, but its good the head tilt has resolved.

She still isn't right as you say so best to have the vet take another look at her xx
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Pooping and peeing fine also eating fine Just 100% sure she Is not herself:(
 
You know her best, and if you feel she isn't right then please take her back to the vet.
The vet is trying to do their best, but they see your pig for a few minutes during a consultation, and you see her all the time.
I would go back and try to explain why you feel she still isn't ok.
Good luck - you are doing a great job with her.
 
Thank you all very much for all your kind messages She is now eating very little. I was told that antibiotics can turn them of their food but she is getting so light I'm getting a little concerned about her. just wondered if anyone had any opinions on what I feed her? could I blend her food and give it to her by sringe? or would I be better buying feeding cubes? As much as I would like to go back to the vet I would like to wait till I have finished the 10 day course of antibiotics , so I can then say I have tried it and it hasn't worked! Any replies would be great thanks :)
 
Have read through of the syringe feeding guide that @helen105281 and @Kerrie74 linked for you. You say shes feeling light- have you been weighing her daily to have an idea what shes losing? In all honesty i think she needs to see the vet again to find out if it is just the antibiotics, or something else making her feel poorly x
 
Thankyou all very much for your replies I am going to have to start syringe feeding her I already have vitamins here so I will use them, I will get her to the vet as soon as possible to check her over. Thanks again this has been very helpful :) will keep you all updated
 
Taylor said:
Thankyou all very much for your replies I am going to have to start syringe feeding her I already have vitamins here so I will use them, I will get her to the vet as soon as possible to check her over. Thanks again this has been very helpful :) will keep you all updated
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You are welcome! The only vitamin she will need extra of is vitamin c, multivitamins arent recommended :-)
 
hi guys good news I have seen massive improvement in lucy today, she has been eating and drinking as normal and moving about a lot more. She only has 3 days left of her antibiotics so she should be bouncing around again in no time. Thanks for all your support its lovely to see her back to herself :)
 
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