Head Tilt

StarlightSerenity · 08-04-2014, 08:54 AM

On Friday I noticed that Badger (Syrian) was leaning his head to the left when he was walking and running, I thought that maybe it was me just seeing things but last night I was watching him running up and down the hallway in his ball and he's definitely leaning his head to the left

I've booked an appointment at the vets for him at 6:40pm tomorrow.

What are the likely causes for a head tilt? I'm hoping it's just an inner ear infection, so worried it's something more sinister though

His balance is fine, he's eating/drinking/peeing/pooing/washing/behaving normally. His weight is normal (186 last night, varies from 185 to 189) and other than the head tilt he's absolutely fine. I had a look in his ears and they look normal. He's about 11 months old so not an elderly ham.

humfry · 08-04-2014, 09:00 AM

SS - cannot answer your question but hope you don't mind me just letting you know I have been trying to PM you & keep getting "inbox full" message. Perhaps you'll check it & I'll try again this evening.
ta!

souffle · 08-04-2014, 09:02 AM

It is usually either an ear infection or a stroke that causes the head tilt in Syrians. You do right in having him checked out and I hope some antibiotics will soon have him back to normal. Sometimes it can be a tooth infection or coming from the pouch where swelling presses on the nerves causing the tilt so you could mention that and the vet could check him.
Wishing Badger all the best at the vets and a speedy recovery.

StarlightSerenity · 08-04-2014, 09:19 AM

Thanks

I'll make sure the vet checks his teeth and pouches. He's eating normally and shoved a whole monkey nut in each pouch last night so I think his pouches are fine.

Humfry - I've cleared my inbox now

**kyrilliondaemon** · 08-04-2014, 02:39 PM

Good luck for tomorrow!

spyro87 · 08-04-2014, 05:07 PM

Good luck I hope they get to the root of the behaviour and he makes a swift recovery.

ANGELBABIES · 08-05-2014, 02:16 AM

Sending the little one healing vibes and lots of love xx

StarlightSerenity · 08-05-2014, 11:40 AM

Back from the vets. Badger has been prescribed Baytril and Metacam. It's being treated as a middle ear infection and I'm hoping that it works. Check up in a weeks time.

Badger was very good with the vet, she had him in her hand on his back and she gave him a belly rub lol. She weighed him and he was 190g which is his normal weight. She checked him over very thoroughly which I was impressed with.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 08-05-2014, 11:48 AM

Here's hoping hes better soon

ANGELBABIES · 08-05-2014, 12:41 PM

Get well soon little one xx