Rat Health Issue

Question
My rat Pepper has just turned three and in the last two months has lost his ability to move his hind legs.  I noticed a small abrasion or tumor on his hind legs and figured it was probably cancer.  I did not realize how agonizing it was going to be to see his health start to deteriorate, but its killing me.  The tumor has not increased in size really but his energy level has decreased and breathing has become rather labored. He is also bleeding from the tumor. I distrust most veterinarians (esp in near death situations) and wanted to avoid going at all cost but a part of me wonders if he can be helped or if its better to put him down.  Would a small benign tumor prevent movement of my rats lower half?  Or is the paralysis more indicative of cancerous tumors?  Is it possible it might just be some kind of infection?  I don't mind paying for animal care, but I hate when vets play how much$$$$$ do you love your pet.  What do you recommend as a course of action?

Answer
Hi Victoria

Male rats are very prone to suffering from what is called "Hind leg paralysis" due to nerve root compression in the lower lumbar. This is due to degenerative changes as they age. They do learn to cope with their disability pretty good, they are such troopers, but there are things we can do to help them at home to accomodate them in their cage such as keep them in lower levels, on smooth surface with no litter and keep the litter confined to a little cardboard box for a litter pan. He will use it instead and this way he can propel all around the cage floor easily without shuffling through litter. You can put down newspaper first and on top of that, add plastic needlepoint canvas that can be found at craft stores or even walmart.

Check on my site about caring for elderly rats:
http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/careoftheelderlyrat.htm


Also, the vet CAN help to be honest, in many ways. He can put the rat on steroids for inflammation and once that gets under control, he can be put on something for inflammation and pain such as metacam.
The tumor is not making him lose the use of both legs, and in fact I wonder if this is just sores from not moving his legs or dragging his legs and getting ulcers or pressure sores?  Can you take a photo of the sores? What you need to do is bathe the sores with some warm water and an antiseptic like hibicleanse or just plain diluted saline. Rub it really good with neosporin or some other antibiotic ointment several times a day.  He will lick it off but thats ok if he does.

Is the tumor lumpy under it? Has there ever been any pus?

As for vets, I can help you find a caring vet that really gives a hoot about you and your rat and wants the best for both of you and money is NOT the only thing they think about. Sadly there are people like that who would let an animal go without treatment if the client cant pay but I know alot of vets that say they would rather help the animal than have finances be the reason for lack of treatment. If you let me know your zip code I can find a good vet for you.

Anyhow, please read up on care for the elderly rat for ideas on how to manage his age related disability.  If you need me just drop me another line and again, let me know about that vet and I can find one for you right away.

Sandra