My baby rat is losing balance, twitching, convulsing. What's wrong?

Neurologic symptoms such as loss of balance, confusion, falling over, etc can indicate a serious neurologic disease. If Bb's eye is also bulging, it is best to seek veterinary care immediately. It is possible she has gotten into something toxic, is very ill, or is experiencing a problem with the muscles or nerves in her body.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like Spook is very unstable and should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. It is unclear what is going on and an examination would help determine that. Good luck!

Your rat could be suffering from either an internal ear infection or a brain tumor, the later is more common in rats over 1.5 years of age. You need to take your rat to the vet ASAP in order to get it treated, if it is an ear infection, then a course of antibiotics should resolve it.

Thanks for reaching out about Rey and including photos. By the pictures, the back appears arched and would be concerns about scoliosis and pain. A veterinary visit is recommended, ASAP since not eating. Try offering food and water via a syringe, might be easier to swallow. Good luck.

This could be commonly due to a spinal cord problem (slipped disc with nerve compression, or spinal cord stroke). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Rats, particularly as they grow older, are prone to getting tumors in their brain. In an older rat, this would definitely be my top differential. Other causes include an infectious disease or lack of sugar. In order diagnose a brain tumor, diagnostic imaging would be required. Hope this helps. He should be seen by a vet right away if the seizure activity is continuing and is violent in nature.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The signs you describe can be caused by an irregularity in the spine - this may cause the bones to compress the actual spinal cord, damaging the nerves that are responsible for controlling the back legs and tail. A veterinary neurologist would be able to further diagnose the condition and propose a treatment plan, your original vet may be able to recommend one. I would be happy to take a look at x-rays or bloodwork and answer any questions you may have about them!