How serious is sudden head tilt?

[1928383]

It’s 5:30 am and I haven’t slept yet because I am so freaked lut and I just remembered this forum existed so I would appreciate a quick reply. My otherwise healthy adult but not elderly (1-2 year old happy and active) gerbil Dorito has head tilt real bad. His brother is fine. Dorito is being active still, not really shaking but definitely off balance, it’s been like 30 seconds of me observing him so far keep in mind. I don’t think he hit his head. I don’t know what it is. My question is this, I read that head tilt will never go away. Is the cause of this head tilt likely to be what kills him? Will it just stay with him but he can live normally for a normal amount of time? Will it get better? Is his time coming to a close? I know there isn’t a definite answer but I want anybody to please give me a ballpark because nothing I’m finding online has been helpful.

[LilyandDaisy]

A sudden head tilt could be an ear infection which could be serious but fortunately is often treatable with antibiotics. I'd recommend taking him to a vet. Otherwise, it's hard to say how serious it might be. If the cause were something like a one-off stroke which is now over, he may still live a full lifespan and perhaps even recover. On the other hand, if it's something like an ongoing brain bleed or a tumour, that would be much more serious.

[catnut]

Dorito really needs a vet visit as soon as possible, i had this happen years ago, got her in the same day(went without an appt. but waited 3 hours, although they don't like when you do this), got my Zippy antibiotics plus pain meds. and she was feeling better after a day, tilt was better and when done with her antibiotics. Her ear was always having fluid and she get milder symptoms but she was still well, if i hadn't taken her in, she wouldn't have made it.

[The original poster]

My mom ordered antibiotics but they’re coming in 5-6 days. There are absolutely no vets who will take gerbils that I can find. I live in Phoenix, Arizona, too. Do you know any way to find vets for gerbils more efficiently like a website or something? Because I have searched far and wide on the internet and haven’t been able to find anything. Also do you know if there’s a place to get antiobiotics online in less time? Thanks

[drf]

Actually I already had antibiotics and there’s some left. Should I just give it to Dorito now?

[LilyandDaisy]

What antibiotics have you ordered / have already? They need to be ones that are safe for gerbils as not all of them are. Some may be deadly to gerbils.

Have you tried ringing some vets and asking if they would see a gerbil just to prescribe some antibiotics? Even a cat or dog vet should be able to do that, although I know not all are willing in the US.

[Dorito’s owner]

Oct 8, 2023 18:26:20 GMT -8 LilyandDaisy said:

What antibiotics have you ordered / have already? They need to be ones that are safe for gerbils as not all of them are. Some may be deadly to gerbils.

Have you tried ringing some vets and asking if they would see a gerbil just to prescribe some antibiotics? Even a cat or dog vet should be able to do that, although I know not all are willing in the US.

Sorry for forgetting about this. I already had antibiotics that were suitable for gerbils from when a different one was sick, I should have clarified. He has been fed the antibiotics and I still have not been able to find a suitable vet nearby 😭 He seems to be doing better, and the head tilt is less prominent but I think he’s just figured out how to handle it more or something, I don’t think the antibiotics have done much yet. I will update in the morning!

[yeti218]

Pheonix is a big city, they should have vets that treat gerbils. Often any pet besides cats or dogs are referred to as "exotic pets" just googling, there is a place called "arizona exotic animal hospital" that will see all kinds of pets, including gerbils. But when in doubt, just call a nearby vet and if they don't look after gerbils, ask them for a recommendation - they probably know someone who does.