*sigh* wobbly disoriented rattus...

[Ree]

This is the first time in quite a while that I've had to write a health-query post.  

My satan-spawn Albert is not happy this morning.  He was absolutely fine last night though...

He's all wobbly, can't seem to control his back legs, falls over when he tries to drink from the water bottle, and is fluffed up.

He doesn't seem to have much of a head tilt...but he's not exactly staying upright long enough for me to tell.  He keeps leaning on things.

So I'm guessing pit. tumour or inner ear infection?

Either way I'm going to ring the vet.

Do these things usually come on over night?  Or is there something else that may have happened?

Thanks in advance for any input.. I'm off to get the hospital tank out so he doesn't go falling off any shelves.  

[kmw]

How about a stroke?  Inner ear infection could be a problem, as could some sort of other infection.  I know I've seen at least two posts from folks (including Scout), who had sudden back leg paralysis that cleared up with a round of antibiotics.  Pituitary tumour - I'd think you'd see other signs of it, rather than all at once.  Satan spawn behaviour could be an indication, but it's usually accompanied by unable to hold food to eat, poor balance, etc.  And seems to get gradually worse as time goes on.  

Good luck at the vets - hope he/she can suss it out for you.

[Marybelle]

I've also seen those symptoms accompany pneumonia.  And had them come on overnight.  A vet ASAP is a good idea.  I'll send up a prayer for the little hellspawn.  

[kim]

pituitary tumor, inner ear infection, trauma resulting in neurological damage, or ingestion of toxin?
good luck and keep us updated. but a vet visit ASAP, like you said.

[hammyratty]

Something similar to this just occurred with Hammy. One minute she was fine, the next she was not.  She seems to have the same symptoms except the head tilt, but she also has diarrhea.  The vet said she could have another myco infection, but your case doesn't sound like that.  Possibly pneumonia or an ear infection, those would be my first guesses.  Anyway, good luck with everything...I hope he gets all better soon! =)

[Ree]

k.  Back from the (very nice) vet who gave me a 10% discount for some reason.

He put his arms down on the table on either side of Satan..err...Albert and he started turning in circles to his left...he didn't stop until I picked him up (Albert, not the vet  ).

The vet also looked at his eyes with a light, and said that they were flicking from one side to the other all the time.

Diagnosis:  Inner ear infection...

I've got steriods and some doxy to give Albert for the next 5 days, and some spare doxy incase I think I should keep giving it to him.  If there's no improvement, I'm to take him back (obviously).

Poor rattus keeps falling over.  I think I'm going to have to feed him some mushy foods too, as he's having trouble with the whole holding and eating thing.

[Ree]

I asked in chat but I got snobbed for ferret talk...  

How long before much improvement is seen?  He's had 2 and a half days of antibiotics (2x a day) and 2 days of steroids (1x a day).   I've been told to keep it up for 5 days.

He's still pretty much as off-balance as he was before I took him to the vet, and he's sleeping a heck of a lot.  I would be too if I couldn't walk in a straight line.  

Sorry 'bout the questions...this is the first non-respiratory problem I've had.  

[Dearpie]

Standard rule of thumb with my vet is that if the rattie isn't markedly better in 3 days, go back for different antibiotics.  I'd check with your vet  .... oh boy, i just realized it's already Friday for you .... check today!! hehe

[Publius]

When Bob had an infection, he started *really* showing improvement on the third day--that was when he started eating on his own. I think the degree of infection (if it is, in fact, an infection) might have something to do with the amount of time before you see results; that is, the worse the infection, the longer it takes for results to become obvious.

[Dearpie]

Ree, how's the satan-spawn doing today??

[Ree]

LOL, thanks for your concern

I'm not sure eh.

He can walk in a mostly straight line now, and I took him into the rat room to have a roam around (he's currently in the lounge where all the computers are)..

And his cage mates promptly attacked him and pommelled him with no provocation.  He got very disoriented, and couldn't get back onto his feet without my help..he was just rolling around the floor trying to get away from them...  

He still seems....wobbly...and he doesn't seem to be using his back legs properly.  He slinks along the ground rather than walks (If that makes any sense)..But at least he can do it in a straight line now.

Bah, I'm so confused!  

Darn rattus...one minute he's satan, next minute he's acting all pitiful and cute.  

[Dearpie]

 poor baby ..... give him some scritches for me and keep him safe!!