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Tilting Head

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nutmeg

nutmeg

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I have seen a gorgeous little boar in PAH for adoption. The notice on his cage says, "Tilting Head, will need special attention." I have rung back PAH cos can't stop thinking about this special little boy and asked them about his head, and what special attention they felt he needed. They told me tilting head was caused by a worm? Can be transferred either to or from rabbits (can't remember what he said about that, cos don't have rabbits anyway) and that he would need special care handling. Probably not for children. Said he may or may not be able to live with other piggies. Anybody give me any advice, I would have to look for another hutch, but would really love to adopt him. xx
 
I've some experience with pigs tilting head caused by an inner ear infection or a stroke but never heard of it being caused by a worm. As far as I've read worms are not that common in pigs but not sure really.

I would be inclined to think it was more ear infection related. :)
 
The first thing I thought was that it sounds like an er infection! x
 
I have heard of parasitical linked head tilt but it's not strictly a worm and is more common in rabbits. The head tilt is also known as Wry neck or Torticollis
 
I think that they should take him to a vets, afterall he is in their care even though he's in the adoption section. I've heard they probably get around the law preventing sale of sick animals by putting them in the adoption centers. So technically they aren't being sold and they don't have to pay vets costs. This may or may not be true, but its worth asking where he came from.

Don't let your heart rule your head, let them get him well then take him home. Plus responsible rescues neuter their boars.
 
The guy did mention rabbits. Could it be a parasite caught from one? Don't know if there has been any contact. If an infection, would this cause a permanent head tilt, as this is, or would that have righted itself once the infection had cleared up? Thanks for all ideas. I really would love this little guy, but am quite new to piggies, and never looked after a poorly one - worried to do the right thing. x
 
Totally agree with this Jane. We were offered a guinea pig with a wry neck and I just felt he wasn't 100% I was told he was free, it just felt like he was being offloaded onto me! I declined because I didn't want Emily upset if anything happened to him so we opted for Pudsey instead, which Emily had her heart set on anyway. :)
 
You're all so helpful. Thank you. Gosh this is hard, if you look it hurts to leave them. What's the answer? Buy everything mail order?
 
Haha I know its hard I have had to leave many a pig in petshops because now I'm educated its rescue all the way and I feel so sad that the pigs in shops are over looked by the likes of me but its just providing shops with profit.

I get my hay and food from shops that don't sell animals. I like to give to the smaller businesses as well. :)

Are you anywhere near Stockton Heath? Pets Pantry do 5 bags of hay for £5 can't grumble at that. They are just a bit too far for me with a 25 minute drive there. My local shop is 10 minutes drive or on route to Emilys school. :)
 
Pets Pantry at Stockton Heath is about 10 minutes away. That sounds a bargain. Our dog Rosie likes the sausages that they sell there. Will make that our local now I think. Thanks. xx
 
If he does have an ear infection, a course of antibiotics should clear it up. If you really do have your heart set on this little guy and you 110% think that you can give him a loving home with the care that he needs, I suggest that you go back to p@h and find out everything you can about him even tell them that you want him to see their in store vet to get conformation of what is actually wrong with him. For all you know, the previous owners may have taking him to p@h because they could not afford to take him to a vet and he may indeed just have an ear infection. If he does have wry neck, they will be able to tell you exactly what care and attention he needs. Good luck and keep us posted :)
 
I know how you feel i personally make a bee line for the food section then get out quick.

If the guy you spoke to genuinely knew his stuff and the head tilt is indeed due to parasitical infection There is no specific treatment for the infection . In addition to supportive care, corticosteroids may be given to reduce inflammation.
 
My first thought was an ear infection. It could also be that the piggie has had a stroke and if that is the case the head tilt may be a permanent feature but if piggies recover from strokes it is highly unlikely they would have another one.
 
I think he needs to see a vet and get confirmation and treatment for whatever it is that is causing the tilt, poor little piglet. Then if you have your heart set on him (sounds like you have!) you can take him home (and post lots of pics on here for us all!).
 
hi jane, which peta at home was it? i would ask them if he has seen a vet they have to pay for vet care as he is in there, i had a piggy come in that had an ear infection he cleared up after a couple of weeks but moving him while he is unwell could be very stressful for him. you should speak to them x
 
Sometimes piggies can have a neurological problem from birth. I would probably check with pets at home that he has been checked by a vet otherwise if you take him on then you take him to the vets and get pets at home to pay the bill. I've heard this has been done by them before.
 
Hello Jane,
Andrew just rang me he has been working in Warrington today hes been in and seen the guinea pig, its a parasite on the brain he has seen a vet but its very contagious and is passed from guinea pig to guinea pig he is now a carrier of this disease so it is permanent he is being treated but he will always have a tilt it


its E.cuniculi which cause brain disease and is so contagious i was going to take a rabbit (Ashton) in but he has E.cuniculi and you can risk causing my other animals brain disease

to be honest never heard of it in guinea pigs but anything is possible x
 
Thanks Nichole, Sounds serious, poor little fella. Glad Andrew went and had a look, isn't he a cute little piggie? Really think the man at PAH should have explained more about contagious nature of illness, and only consider re homing him where there are no other animals. Hope he can find a suitable home with someone to love him. Unfortunately, its not going to be me. x
 
Yes I think we should. Could Andrew do this do you think, as he has visited and knows exactly what it is? x
 
I'm sorry Jane,
I feel like the bearer of bad news, Andrew said he was beautiful and also wanted to bring him home. I think he will find a great home as inexperienced non caring owners (sounds terrible i know) wouldn't want to take on an animal with a condition! poor little mite
sorry again Jane & Brain
x
 
do you know the name of who you originally spoke to or a description of them? will help with writing my letter i am also going to ring and complain to a manager! i am very annoyed at this they only told perspective owners the severity of this when pry ed out of the staff it seriously worried me that other Piggy's could be in danger of contracting the disease which inevitably is life threatening!
 
No he has a contagious disease! and nutmeg has other gps that he could pass onto
 
Think the man I spoke to was called Philip, but that might not be too helpful as I don't know his surname. x
 
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