rat injury foot may be broken

Question
Hi Sandra, Just wondering if you can give me some advice. I have 4 rats and today I noticed one is walking with her back paw lifted up like it's hurt. She did take a tumble today in her cage. She flipped over from one level to another but she seemed fine afterward, but then a few hours later when I checked on them she was limping. She wouldn't come out at first which is very odd because Dee is always the first to the door. After awhile I coaxed her out and she did give a squeak. I'm afraid to fiddle with her leg just incase it is broken. I've been watching her in the cage and she does put it down occasionally for a second but mostly keeps it up. It doesn't seem to be bothering her too much, she's still climbing and getting around. I do have a very good vet but he won't be available for the next couple of days. I'm wondering if I should call the emergency number tomorrow and see another vet. (It may be one who isn't very familiar with rats, that's the problem I have where I live) Is there anything they can do if her leg/foot is broken or sprained? Should I leave her a couple of days to see my vet? What do you think?
Thanks Michelle

Answer
Any swelling or redness?

I can almost bet in another day she will be putting weight on it, if not by tomorrow (Sunday)  usually a rat will nurse their limbs by limping, not putting weight on it. This gives it a chance to heal. She probably stubbed it or twisted it. If it were broken, she would be in alot of pain and no way would she be trying to get around.

What you could do rather than waste money on a vet that is clueless and who may actually harm your rat rather than treat her correctly is try to keep her chilled out for the day if she is still nursing her leg.  Single story cage with nothing to climb up on and if you think she is in pain, you can use childrens ibuprofen but You must know her weight so I can tell you how much to use.

I do think that from what you describe, she will be ok before your vet is back in again.