[supersmirky]

I have a 3 story cage and all I can think of is that she must have fell and caused some damage to herself.

She started out with a tilted and and walking in circles but all she does now is lay on her side and only moves when I physically move her.

I give her water and mushy veggies....which she can't live off of.

Anyone have advice? Is this possible that she threw off her equalibrium?

 

[Kimmiekins]

It sounds to me like a serious head injury. I would get her to a vet, ASAP.

 

[Forensic]

Head tilt sounds almost like an inner ear infection, which can be very painful and can progress to be fatal, I believe. The rat needs to see a vet ASAP for antibiotics and to be checked to see if it is a head injury, rather than the infection. The head may never tilt back, even if the cause is cured...

 

[mopydream44]

rats are very agile and skilled acrobats, and they usually manage to land on their feet if they do fall. It sounds more like an infection like forensic said. Take her to a vet tomorrow. They may be able to help her with meds.

I hope everything turns out ok

 

[Sparker]

I agree. Vet time.

 

[Kimmiekins]

That's true, but if this came out of nowhere after a fall, I would think assuming the worst and getting vet care would be a good course of action.

Hopefully, it's an infection. But the timing (if it was immediately after the fall) suggests it COULD be something more serious.

 

[mopydream44]

you're right about the timing Kimmiekins. If it happened right after a fall it would most likely be injury rather than infection.

It doesn't seem like supersmirky actually saw a fall though.

I really hope it's something treatable.

supersmirky if you give us a general location (of course only if you feel comfortable doing so) we could help locate a vet (if you don't already have one) but make sure you get your rattie in first thing tomorrow.

Please let us know how everything goes

 

[DonnaK]

Any news, supersmirky?

 

[cashewsmama]

how is she doing?

 

[DFW_Rat_Luvr]

I sure hope everything is ok. my little nicodemus hurt his leg a couple of weeks ago (turned out to be broken-ugh) and I know how upsetting this is.

Definately get your baby to a vet and dont worry about the cost. Just get your ratty in and you'll be amazed how many wonderful vets and their offices will work with you if need be.

I found one of the FEW (or so it seems) vets that see rats in my area and we had rapport with each other for some reason. During the course of chatting, she told me that so many people tend to NOT take their rats in for one reason or another, but mostly due to fear of cost. And that most ratty vets WILL work wiht you due to the fact that they are glad youve taken the responsibility to bring your ratty in - as most dont.

I dont know why Ive gone this route, and please dont take offense or think Im intimating that you cant take care of your own pet financially - I just thought what this vet told me was interesting and worth sharing.

Good luck