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Wobbly head after head tilt

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dolts007

Hi everyone,

We have a little guinea called Betty who some 2 months ago had an ear infection which was treated with Baytril but left her with a slight head tilt. This didn't affect her eating, drinking and squeaking but just over a week ago she once again had the head tilt plus all I can describe as a wobbly head which was this time diagnosed as an inner ear infection.

She has been given some penicillin which has corrected the tilt but has been left with this wobbly head which means the poor thing cant run and walks as if she has had a few too many beers!

She is still eating and drinking well, and has got her squeak back.

Can someone advise me if an ear infection can cause this wobbly head and will it ever go away? its so sad to see her like it but in every other way she seems like the Betty of old.

from your experience, is there anything else we could try and do to help her?

Any tips will be much appreicated
 
Welcome to the forum,

First of all, did you administer any penicillin? I don't wish to worry you but it must be said that this drug is toxic to guinea pigs and usually results in death. This is very common knowledge so it is very concerning and very unfortunate that a vet prescribed this for a guinea pig.

The head tilt may have returned becuase the initial ear infection had not fully cleared when the first course of antibiotics was finished. However, it is not unheard of for a head tilt to be permanent, even after an infection has cleared.
 
Hi and thanks for the reply.

The vet had spoken with a specialist who uses this penicillin and we had used on our other guinea who had an inner ear infection which did clear up. They kept the amount to a minimum for betty and we were told to monitor her closely with regard her faeces etc which were all normal.

She's now off that and has been for a few days but has this wavy head and staggered walk which I didnt know if it was part of the ear infection or something else?

PS, thanks for the warm welcome, looking forward to being part of the cavy family!
 
hi wiebke,

thanks for this, i shall take a look.

i didn't prescribe it myself so cant remember the name, i put my trust in the vet who to be fair has been wonderful with both our piggies over the years.

Thanks for the warnings though
 
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