My rat injured his back leg.

Question
QUESTION: Hi Sandra! I noticed yesterday that my male rat injured his back leg. I'm not sure what he did to it, but he keeps the foot/leg tucked up by his side and tries not to use it at all. From what I can tell there's no swelling or discoloration. The only time he squeaks in pain is if his brother sits on it or if he puts too much pressure on it from laying down. He is still eating and drinking. Just wanted to know if I should take him to the vet or if I'm just worrying too much and let nature heal it.
Thank you,
Jenna

ANSWER: As long as it isnt swollen or red it is probably twisted, pulled or sprained.


Check out my website and the page on swollen feet to be sure his foot doesnt match the photos I have of rats with a pretty nasty  localized infection caused simply by stepping in bacteria and having the germs enter into the skin causing a local infection that requires antibiotics.

Let me know and hang in there!

Critter city and the page about swollen feet/paws:

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/swollenfootinfection.htm

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QUESTION: Hi Sandra!
Thank you so much for your advice. I looked at the picture and no, his foot doesn't resemble them at all. He's still limping, but it seems he's now trying to put weight back on it. I'll just wait and see.
Thank you again,
Jenna

Answer
Thats good news,I am so glad it isnt swollen like the photos!  

Its probably a twist or sprain like I said before so keep doing what your doing and he should be fine. If he seems like he is still in pain, you can give him childrens liquid motrin/ibuprofen, but I need to know his weight, or close guess to dose him properly and safely.