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Head Tilt.

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Midge&Panda

Midge&Panda

Adult Guinea Pig
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I came home today and noticed that Paprika was holding her head to one side. She is still doing everything she should be doing. Eating, pooing etc. Even when walking things look normal. My first thought was a stroke but because everything seemed fine my next thought was an ear infection. I looked into the ears but could see no obvious discharge - I do realise it could be further into the ear. I have started her on septrin until I can get her to the vets. Anything else I should be aware of ? Many thanks.
 
I am sorry to hear this. I hope it is something that can be sorted out quickly.
 
Good that you have booked her in! Ear infection would be my first thought. Sometimes, it rights itself on its own.
 
I've just given her a drop of metacam just in case there is a bit of pain. She's a small girl who cant really afford to lose weight.
 
Hi there, Head tilts are just a symptom that can be caused by numerous things but the sudden onset would get me thinking, as you have already said , possible stroke ,

I would keep her as calm and relaxed as possible, if it was a stroke and she is still behaving normally possibilities are you will have no more trouble with her,(l have had a couple of pigs that this has happened to, ) but a trip to the vets would be wise as there are so many other causes,

Also don't be surprised if all your vet can do is speculate quite often the reason for torticollis(head tilt) may never be known with out an autopsy,

If Paprika were my pig I would just carry on with the septrin and see your vet asap
 
I would take her to the vet. Heat tilts can be from several causes and sometimes an ear infection is further down the canal and cannot be seen. Watch her close.
:) L
 
Hi, how have you got on? My Rodney has had this twice, I raced him to the vet the first time and she basically told me it was neuro and I should probably put him down. I asked for anti biotics in case it was an ear issue as he seemed so healthy other than that & was still eating with his head tilted (she looked and said she didn't think so) by the time I got him home he was fine & ran off in a strop. It then happened again a few months later, literally by the time I had made a phone call he was fine again and he's never had it since.

I still don't know why! But try not to panic. Apparently they can have small strokes, both Rodney's episodes happened after he lost his brother & before I got him a new friend I don't know if its anything to do with it...
 
Well Pappy is back to her beautiful self today. No loss of balance and no sign of a tilt. What-ever it was seems to have sorted itself out. I will continue with the ABs and metacam, unfortunately I'm not able to get to the vets till Tuesday. She is eating very well and there has been no change in her weight in fact she's put a little bit on since she was last weighed. All of a bit of a mystery.
 
Midge&Panda said:
Well Pappy is back to her beautiful self today. No loss of balance and no sign of a tilt. What-ever it was seems to have sorted itself out. I will continue with the ABs and metacam, unfortunately I'm not able to get to the vets till Tuesday. She is eating very well and there has been no change in her weight in fact she's put a little bit on since she was last weighed. All of a bit of a mystery.
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Hi there, How is Pappy today
I was so glad to read that she recovered so well, ! bit of a mystery as right! , I have had this type of thing happened several times over the years, one piggy in particular was dragging itself around with its head practically horizontal,

it scared the living daylights out of me,

And an then it, She mysteriously Recovered ,

It returned several days later though not as severe, but once again after a few hours, once again, she was totally Recovered and back on form and it never ever returned. !

I'm sure these things are sent to test us mallethead
 
Completely agree that these things are sent to test us. I've got 7 piggies and just as one seems to be getting over something ( usually Panda with her breathing) something else comes along. Pappy is off to the vets today to have a check-up so fingers crossed she'll have a clean bill of health.
 
Just come back from the vets. Paprika has just been given a clean bill of health. Although a near heart- attack for me. The little minx ran backwards and slipped off the table. Fortunately she landed on a well placed knee and a couple of hands.
 
Ouch little minx is right 8;),I bet your blood run cold,:( I am so happy that. Paprika got a clean bill of health though
Well done!
 
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