aging rats, leg and balance problems

Question
It seems like overnight our pet rats (2 years old this month) have lost their mobility.  Their feet were slipping through the bars of the floor in their cage, they were falling from one level to the next, their back ends will go to the side when they loose their balance and they are dragging the hind legs a lot.  They are still eating and drinking but not as much.  Their food appears to be "nibbled" on more than anything.  They enjoy being held and my daughters hold them so they can groom themselves and/or eat without falling over.  Mr. Humphries has started having loose stools.  I'm not sure if this is due to a change in diet.  The pet store told me to give them oats to help move the fat through their bodies and that that would help with mobility.  They don't seem to be in any pain and are still very curious and anxious to see us and interact.  I have moved them from their 3 level cage to a large aquarium and rigged their hammock and water so that it is low.  I put recessed their food bowl into the bedding to make it easier to get to.  I am wondering how to really tell if they are in pain or need a vets assistance.  Also, how do you know if it is time to euthanize?  The lady at the pet store said as long as they are eating and drinking and don't appear to be in pain they are fine.  They seem fine but at the same time are having so much trouble.  I just don't want them to suffer.  Thanks for any guidance you can give.

Answer
Hi Tammy

I would say it sounds like an inner ear infection and they are having problems with balance due to pressure on the 8th cranial nerve. Often an inner ear infection will cause the rat to be clumsy, fall, walk sideways, in a circle, even backwards and may cause head tilt, where they lean to one side. They fall over easy and appear weak. Treatment would be antibiotics and steroids for at least a month but they do recover.  However, it doesnt really sound like it is this since they are dragging their legs alot.

Which leads me to the next topic, which seems to best pertain to your rats:

Hind leg paralysis Or gradual hind limb weakness is quite common in older rats, particularly in male rats.  compression of spinal cord and nerve roots is often the cause and there are significant degenrative changes in the rats skeletal system as they age. They are also prone to arthritis as well.

Treatment with anti inflammatory drugs (like prednisone or metacam) can help make the rat more comfortable. You can also use childrens liquid motrin for mild pain and discomfort.

Actually,as far as euthanasia goes, our rats get along amazingly well despite their lack of mobility.  I never suggest euthanasia unless the rat is suffering. If your rat loses interest in life in general and seems to have given up, and after you have exhausted all options to try to make him more comfortable, you will know you have done all you can. Your rat will show you when he is ready. Its a decision only you and your rat can make in cases such as this. If your rat tries to get around, tries to make an effort and still has that spark in his eye that we all see in our rats eyes...he still has the will to live, and he deserves that right to live.
If he lays there and cannot even move and cannot function, you know its time.  It doesnt sound like they are at that point not to mention the fact they have not even seen the Vet yet for treatment as far as meds go such as steroids etc....

Also, I would not keep them in a tank if you can avoid it. Aquariums are really bad for rats, esp older rats that may be prone to respiratory infections. There is poor air circulation and the ammonia build up from their urine can trigger a bad respiratory infection they are not strong enough to fight off on their own as they age.
You can grab a 12 X 24 cage at petsmart for $30 for them to share and you can keep fleece on the bottom for them and put a shoe box with litter in it for them to scoot over to use.

For more info on how to care for elderly rats with problems like they are having see this URL on my site:

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/careoftheelderlyrat.htm

Do you have a vet that is good with rats? If not, let me know and I will be happy to assist you in finding one that is educated in rat care!

Let me know

Sandy