Broken Foot

Question
My rat broke her foot about a week ago. She's on Baytril and finished her Metacam. I was just wondering how long it will take to heal and when the bandage can come off?? Thanks!

Answer
Hi

I am shocked the vet has her on metacam.  NSAIDS should not be used when dealing with a fracture.
The use of ibuprofen or metacam may possibly delay bone healing in rats.

Instead, she should be given an injection of dexamethasone  to reduce swelling and for pain, she should be given Torbugesic.

Do you have her in a small, single story cage? Did the vet have to operate to set the bones or use surgical pins?

You can help her healing by increasing her protein a bit along with adding additional food supplement such as ensure or soy milk or soy formula.  This will promote healing nicely.

Healing should be 6 weeks or less, depending on how bad the fracture was.

Is your rat using her foot or limping still?