My rats getting old, some advice please

Question
QUESTION: Hello!

I've asked a few questions to you and you always seem to have great answers!
So thanks.

Yesterday I noticed my rat chocolate (male) was limping/hoping on his right
leg. We left them in their house for most of the day so he could rest it in case
he just hurt it..It seems like he's a little faster and walking more today but Im
not entirely sure. When he sits and eats sometimes he ends up sitting more
on his bum and his feet stick out. Or while cleaning himself. He also will
sometimes only use one hand to eat if he can.

Right now they are both using doxycycline and baytril for their breathing and
I read in a article that the doxycycline also deteriorates their tendons in their
back legs. So that doesn't help with the leg situation much but keeps his
breathing healthy.

So it got me to thinking. I know that they start losing strength in their back
legs as they get older, I'm wondering if there is anything you know of, some
kind of natural food or vitamin that I can give them just to help build or keep
as much strength in their legs while they are still here.
Even if its a human thing, and I can give them very small amounts and see
what works best.

Thank you for your time.
Monica




ANSWER: Hi Monica

Glad I can help!

For starters, let me set your mind at ease about doxycycline. Baytril should not be used in rats under 4 months old. Although studies prove that this is true with young puppies, it is also true with rats as well. The use of baytril in rats under 4 months old should be avoided unless the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks. Studies proved that the use of baytril will indeed produce erosions of cartilage in joints immature animals of various species. This also holds true for nursing rats or pregnant rats as well and its use can also possibly produce abnormal growth in cartilage in young or unborn ratlets.

The use of doxy has not really been established with rats and even so, it would also apply to young rats, not rats that have developed already.

As for his problems with mobility etc...this is what I can tell you: Rats skeletal systems were not really built to hold up past 24 months of age yet they are living longer due to better care from their owners and also more vets are starting to take the time to learn about rat care and how to treat ailments etc..   Like a premature baby never stood a chance of survival if born before 32 weeks and now they are surviving as early ast 26 to 28 weeks gestation due to advance neonatal care over the years.   That said, we are starting to see rats live to be closer to 3 years old and older. Unfortunately we also see the problems that they face because their skeletal system is going through degenerative changes as the rat ages.  You may notice the rat seems to favor one side, perhaps limping as you stated, or you may notice weakness in the forelimbs and also the hind legs as well. there may be noticeable stiffness and the rat may steer clear of climbing, jumping and even running fast like he used to do.

The onset is usually gradual though, which is why its easier to tell if its from a stroke or injury rather than gradual degenerative changes.
As the degeneration persists,the spinal cord is being compressed and this causes paralysis in the hind legs.
Steroids are a great benefit in helping inflammation which can later be changed to NSAIDS. As with all steroids, it is best to take an antibiotic for back up since long term use of steroids can corrupt the immune system.

The one  thing that is used is a nutritional herbal supplement called Glucosamine / Chondroitin Sulfate which can be found in places like GNC and even some better drug stores.  It is said to aid in repair of the cartilage by stimulating cell growth and also is supposed to help with inflammation too. None of this has been medically proven although many people swear by it.










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

QUESTION: Awesome thanks so much.

My rats are just over 2 years old so the baytril thing isn't an issue but thats
good to know for next time.

I am going to try out the Glucosamine / Chondroitin Sulfate but I'm
wondering if you know how much should be given and how often?

Thanks again

Answer
250 mg of glucosamine/200 mg chondroitin tablet- cut into four pieces. Give 1/4 piece once per day.

You can smash it real good and sprinkle in ice cream, even chocolate ice cream is ok to use once  day!

This may not show immediate results so dont give up after a few days. Give it a few weeks to start to work. I cannot promise anything. I have never used it on my own rats and since I am usually more medically oriented rather than herbal remedies, I just cant really give you any other info other than people have used it and swear  it works. It is NOT FDA approved but have not heard any negative reports on its use causing any negative side effects either.

Please let me know how it goes though. I would be curious to see if it really works and would be really happy if it did make a difference. Our rats deserve some relief. They tend to come up with some real doozies for us dont they?