sudden paralysis in my pet rat

Question
QUESTION: I have two male rats they are both round about 3 years in age, i have just been to feed them and i noticed that one of the wasn't moving so i picked him up he cannot uses his back legs at all and is dragging them behind him, he can use his front legs but is very sleepy and doesn't seem to want to move. he wont eat or drink.

ANSWER:
Hind leg paralysis is common in older rats. It can come on gradually but sometimes it comes on right out of the blue. The fact he is lethargic and has no appetite tells me he is either hurting or he is ill. In that case, he needs to be seen by a qualified vet.  He is a grand old rat, which means he needs special needs met and if this is indeed hind leg paralysis he will need to have some changes made to his cage to help him adjust. No ladders or objects he can climb should be left so he can keep on a level ground and avoid falls.  Does he carry his tail when he walks?   You can read more about elderly rats and also problems with their hind legs on my website here:

http://www.sandyscrittercity.com/careoftheelderlyrat.htm

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i would just like to thank you for your quick response unfortunately my rat developed further problems and has had to be put to sleep, i am now worried about my other pet rat as they were together since birth, could you give me any tips on keeping him occupied now he is alone in his cage. thanks  

Answer
Oh no I am really sorry to hear that. I wonder if he had a stroke? what type of symptoms did he have ?

As for keeping your other rat happy, just give him tons of attention and lots of love. He is older now, he may get a bit depressed without his old cagemate and depression causes the immune system to weaken.  Sadly, when I have lost my older rats that were pairs that lived to be over 3, closer to 4, the surviving rat would pass a few months later and sometimes it appears it was simply due to natural causes.