Guinea pig severe ear infection, nystagmus, and rolling on his back

[GuineaPig Mom]

Hello,

I woke up this morning and found my guinea pig with his head tilted- he hadn't had symptoms of an ear infection before (shaking head, pus inside the ear, etc.), so I was really shocked, but luckily I had a follow-up appointment scheduled with the vet this afternoon for his TMJ, so I had his ear seen by the doctor.

The doctor took an x-ray and confirmed that it was an ear infection. The ears were both inflamed with mild to moderate thickening of the bulla of both ears, but luckily, no abscesses. He also said that my guinea pig had nystagmus. He prescribed some metacam for the pain as well as baytril-metro, which would be changed to a different antibiotics if not effective after the first 7 days of treatment.

However, I'm worried about the Baytril treatment because I'm pretty sure Baytril lowers appetite in guinea pigs, and since my guinea pig had TMJ (caused by Bordetella), he has already lost so much weight- he went from 1450 grams to 770 grams, even with syringe feeding. I'm also scared that Coco's immune system may be challenged with his existing jaw problem.

Also, what I'm most concerned about is that when I returned home, I picked him up to syringe feed, and when I placed him on my lap, he suddenly starting rolling over on his back and his eyes were darting and rolling around. Does anyone know if this could be a seizure? Or is it just a symptom of ear infection and should I keep an eye on it? I'm not sure what a seizure should look like so I'm not sure.

Does anyone have any advice for the ear infection? And what should I do about my guinea pig rolling on his back? The ear infection for my guinea pig has symptoms from a more developed ear infection, but it was still acute and taken to the vet when first found. Will that possibly increase the chance of recovery?

Thanks for reading all that, and sorry for all the questions TT

 

[GPTV]

Hi there, sorry to hear your Coco is having a rough time of it

I'm no expert, but the ear infection is probably a factor in the rolling over & nystagmus.

The ear affects the balance & the 'eye flashing' nystagmus also seems to affect balance, it apparently gives the feeling of seasickness.

My dog has recently had an episode of similar 'vistibular syndrome',
She was fine in the evening, but at 3am, she was crashing into everything, disorientated, weak on her back end, licking her lips, incontinent, being sick, head tilt & 'eye flashing', I rang the out of hours vet & he said to take her in the next day working hours as all he could do was give her an anti sickness injection overnight.

He also said it would usually pass, although it could be 2-4wks before she was generally normal again.

She was given an anti sickness injection (not sure if there's a relavance here as guineas can't vomit?)
The vet said it was the dizziness that was causing her mobility problems too.

The vet also gave tablets for a few days to help the blood flow through the brain faster, although I have no recollection of the name & must have discarded the packet, I didn't have an itemised receipt due to the rush of it all.

I had to feed my dog little & often (same as a guinea), keep her as calm as possible, help her out to the toilet (down steps - try & keep Coco on 1 level for a few days, no ramps to fall off of).
My dog was on antibiotics for 5days for the ear infection, (baytril is the go-to drug for guineas, but if it does affect his appetite then ask to change to a stronger one that isn't as harsh on the gut...try giving probiotics too an hour or so after the baytril to help replace the 'good' bacteria in the gut ).

My dog is now left with a slight head tilt & more unsteady on her hind legs, but she can get into the car mostly by herself again now, although needs support getting out as her eyesight seems to have deteriorated since her 'episode'.

My vet was with the opinion that my dogs episode, although quite frightening when it was happening, acute symptoms should clear mostly in 24-48hrs (nystagmus & body rolling did). There should be steady improvement afterwards for about a month.

The vet likened it to seasickness/vertigo in humans.

I hope this helps, although it's my dogs experience compared to your guinea Coco's.

The quicker Coco is given the antibiotics, the quicker his recovery should start-speed is usually of the essence & you definitely did the right thing by getting him to the vets as soon as you could

Wishing Coco a full & speedy recovery.
Sending you a hug too as it's exhausting & emotionally draining dealing with these poorly poppets ♥
Xx

 

[GuineaPig Mom]

Hi there, sorry to hear your Coco is having a rough time of it

I'm no expert, but the ear infection is probably a factor in the rolling over & nystagmus.

The ear affects the balance & the 'eye flashing' nystagmus also seems to affect balance, it apparently gives the feeling of seasickness.

My dog has recently had an episode of similar 'vistibular syndrome',
She was fine in the evening, but at 3am, she was crashing into everything, disorientated, weak on her back end, licking her lips, incontinent, being sick, head tilt & 'eye flashing', I rang the out of hours vet & he said to take her in the next day working hours as all he could do was give her an anti sickness injection overnight.

He also said it would usually pass, although it could be 2-4wks before she was generally normal again.

She was given an anti sickness injection (not sure if there's a relavance here as guineas can't vomit?)
The vet said it was the dizziness that was causing her mobility problems too.

The vet also gave tablets for a few days to help the blood flow through the brain faster, although I have no recollection of the name & must have discarded the packet, I didn't have an itemised receipt due to the rush of it all.

I had to feed my dog little & often (same as a guinea), keep her as calm as possible, help her out to the toilet (down steps - try & keep Coco on 1 level for a few days, no ramps to fall off of).
My dog was on antibiotics for 5days for the ear infection, (baytril is the go-to drug for guineas, but if it does affect his appetite then ask to change to a stronger one that isn't as harsh on the gut...try giving probiotics too an hour or so after the baytril to help replace the 'good' bacteria in the gut ).

My dog is now left with a slight head tilt & more unsteady on her hind legs, but she can get into the car mostly by herself again now, although needs support getting out as her eyesight seems to have deteriorated since her 'episode'.

My vet was with the opinion that my dogs episode, although quite frightening when it was happening, acute symptoms should clear mostly in 24-48hrs (nystagmus & body rolling did). There should be steady improvement afterwards for about a month.

The vet likened it to seasickness/vertigo in humans.

I hope this helps, although it's my dogs experience compared to your guinea Coco's.

The quicker Coco is given the antibiotics, the quicker his recovery should start-speed is usually of the essence & you definitely did the right thing by getting him to the vets as soon as you could

Wishing Coco a full & speedy recovery.
Sending you a hug too as it's exhausting & emotionally draining dealing with these poorly poppets ♥
Xx

Thanks for the advice, but unfortunately, Coco passed away today at 5am. I think his body couldn't handle being so sick for a long time, and taking so many medications.

 

[GPTV]

I'm so sorry to hear Coco has started his journey to rainbow bridge. RIP little man ♥
Take care of yourself & take time to grieve for him, they leave big holes in our hearts when they go. Big hug xx