Head Tilt Head tilt, also called wry neck, is normally an indication of an ear infection. This is caused by inflammation surrounding the vestibular nerve. In most cases, the head tilt will disappear in a few days once antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment is started, but sometimes the head tilt will remain for the remainder of the rat's life. They will learn to adapt very quickly. An ear infection is normally the cause of head tilt, but there are a couple of other possible causes. The first is a pituitary tumor. There is no treatment for this, but anti-inflammatory drugs may help prolong the life of your rat. This is normally seen in older, female rats. The second is a stroke. Anti-inflammatory drugs may help in this situation as well but, usually, only time will tell if your rat will recover from a stroke. Stroke is also normally seen in older rats.   Whatever the cause, immediate veterinary diagnosis and treatment is essential.   Recommended treatment, ear infection: A combination of Enrofloxacin (Baytril) and Doxycycline or Azithromycin (Zithromax) and Doxycycline. Prednisone in addition to the antibiotics to control inflammation.   Note: Baytril and Doxycycline are not recommended for rats under 4 months of age or for pregnant and nursing does.   Dosages: Adults: • Baytril - 5mg/kg to 10mg/kg twice per day • Zithromax - 8.8mg/kg to 17.6mg/kg twice per day • Doxycycline - 2.5mg/kg to 5mg/kg twice per day • Prednisone - 0.55mg/kg to 2.2mg/kg twice per day   Rats under 4 months of age: • Zithromax - 8.8mg/kg to 17.6mg/kg twice per day or • Tylosin (Tylan) - 10mg/kg twice per day (Do not treat in the drinking water)   Pregnant and nursing does: • Zithromax - 8.8mg/kg to 17.6mg/kg twice per day or • Tylosin (Tylan) - 10mg/kg twice per day (Do not treat in the drinking water)   Recommended treatment, pituitary tumor or stroke:   • Prednisone - 0.55mg/kg to 2.2mg/kg twice per day   Note: Prednisone treatment should not be stopped abruptly. Your rat should be weaned off of this particular medication—3 days/twice per day...3 days/once per day...3 days/once every other day. More infomation on medications and dosages: The Layman's Medication Guide To link to this page: http://www.raisinrats.com/medical/headtilt.html [back to top]