Okay so it’s 3 in the morning, I was sleeping peacefully until Nimmy woke me up by attempting to throw his water bowl (it’s attached to the side of his cage). He’ll try to throw it if it’s empty or he just feels like throwing it. I’ve got a water bottle attached to the cage as well so I wasn’t worried about his bowl being empty. He wouldn’t stop so I got up and was just going to remove it and saw that he was spinning a bit. I recognized the signs right away, he’s got another ear infection. It’s so out of the blue! He was totally fine just 3 hours before, he was running and binky-ing. This is his 4th ear infection in less than a year, his first one was in Sept ’14. First question is how can I prevent more inner ear infections?
It’s now 3:30 am, I gave him fresh strawberries and some more hay. I also lined his cage with a thin blanket because I was worried he would get his leg stuck in the bars of the cage, or he might slip and hurt himself somehow. I have to get up for work in 3 hours. So right now the plan is; If the strawberries go untouched I’ll take off work and take him to the emergency vet. If he eats and drinks a decent amount, I’ll schedule an appointment for today and take him in. I only have a 5 hour shift and his head tilt is currently minor. If it gets worse, I’ll take off work. There have been multiple times before, where he shows symptoms of an ear infection (dizziness, slight head tilt) then stop showing symptoms a few hours later. Right now he’s laying in his cage, head still slightly tilted and dizzy. I’m pretty sure stress makes his dizziness worse, so I want to leave him alone for a few hours to see if he gets better.
I’m hoping I dont have to take him into the emergency vet. Right now, the goal is, if all goes well I call the vet as soon as I get up for work, schedule an appointment for hopefully today. My boyfriend could take him to an appointment if they have something available while I’m at work. (5 of my coworkers got fired on Monday so I REALLY don’t want to call out unless it’s absolutely necessary.)
…Nimmy seems to be calming down. I believe the dizziness is starting to fade (I’ll be getting him treatment regardless).
Okay so question time! FOUR inner ear infections in the span of 10 months. Why? It’s always on the same side as his broken elbow, and he can’t really clean his ear properly. Would that be the cause?? If so, how do I help him?? I plan on asking the vet the same questions, but I like cross-referencing information.
Wish Nimmy luck! Hopefully he’ll have a speedy recovery like all the previous times.