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Elderly rat/legs

21 17:43:47

Question
Hi there. I am hoping you can suggest something for my Heidi. She was born
4/08/06. 3 weeks ago I started to notice that she has had problems with her
right hind leg. Last week, I noticed that she got absolutely exhausted going
from one level to the other. Our rat cage is huge so she does have to walk a
length of 3 ft twice to get from the middle to the bottom. I have very thick
ramps for them which are  positioned so she doesn't have to walk too much
at an incline. My husband says that it just seems like her legs are
degenerating. I have noticed that when she lies down she, is flattened out,
which usually isn't how she sleeps. I've heard this can happen, but I was
hoping for your opinion. Is there anything I can do? I have cut up a kitchen
mat with foam backing and secured it over the narrower ramps. My husband
says it may be harder for her to drag herself on the foam, then the smooth
wooden ramp. Do you think it may be easier for her to drag herself on a
smooth wooden surface than the foam one? I can also get some tightly woven
carpet if you think it would be better? I just want her to still have a good
quality of life. I know she can still move all her toes and legs, but she is very
weak when she moves. Please help.

Answer
 A lot of times with older rats they can get weak in their legs and it takes much more effort for them to move around, especially up ramps.  It could be simple degeneration due to age, but it could also be a neurological problem or even bone cancer.  If you are concerned it certainly wouldn't hurt to have a vet take a look at her.  For now I would suggest removing the levels completely or keeping her in a one-level cage to minimize the movement she has to do.  Keep an eye on her weight as well and make sure she is eating and drinking properly.  Hopefully a vet will be able to tell you more from an examination and perhaps x-rays.  I hope she gets better, good luck!