A Rat Leg Problem

[caitlinf]

Hello, my young(ish) rat Siegfried suddenly began limping on his hind leg about 2 and a half hours ago. At first it didn't seem so bad, he put a little weight on it when walking, and played around like normal with his friend. But not too long ago, I tried to touch the leg (very gently) and he responded with a big squeak. I assume it was because it hurt or was very sensitive. Then I heard him crying by himself when his leg wouldn't allow him to free himself from a box he wanted to play in. He no longer puts weight on the leg and it seems to have swollen quite a bit since he first started limping. He went to his bed on his own and curled up. He really looks like he's suffering.

I wish I was around when it happened, I've no idea what is wrong with his leg. I've fed him some apple sauce and he seemed to really like it. I tried to make him as comfortable as I could with a pillow. Are there any signs to look for if it might be broken? Sprained? Other? I hear sometimes people give their rats tiny portions of infant painkillers which I have access to but I'm too afraid to use. On the other hand... it breaks my heart to see him suffering so.

What can I do?

 

[victoria]

It sounds like a sprain. They're fairly common but pretty painful. Do you have a scale to weigh your rat with?

 

[caitlinf]

I have a small food scale somewhere, if I could find it, would that work?

 

[victoria]

If you don't have Metacam (veterinary NSAID) you can give Infant Advil. (Infant Advil is preferable to Children's because it is more concentrated.) For dosage recommendations, you can go to Rat Guide. I usually go for the lower recommendation (10-30 mg/kg) and start at the bottom end, increasing by a little bit if it doesn't do enough. Make sure he has everything he needs (food, water, house to sleep in) on one level of the cage (ideally the one he usually stays on) so he doesn't have to climb or go far if he doesn't feel up to it. If he doesn't improve in a day or two you should go to a vet to make sure there isn't something more serious going on.

 

[caitlinf]

Thank you, I have everything all set up for him. I appreciate your help.

 

[eagle]

I have moved your thread to the health section.

 

[lilspaz68]

Were you able to get a weight and the infant advil? If so we can try to give you a dosage to help with the swelling and discomfort.

 

[caitlinf]

I wasn't able to weigh him, but I can safely estimate he is little over half a pound, or just under 1lb (since I got my other rat weighed at the vet and he was about 1lb, but weighs slightly more than Siegfried). I gave him 0.2mL of the Children's Tylenol, which contained about 6.5mg of the medicine, although that rat guide said to give more (I know I'm a wimp ). He seemed to do well though. If he's in more pain I will use one more dose (possibly 1mL which would contain about 32mg acetaminophen) but after that I will go get the Infant's Advil.

 

[lilspaz68]

Just remember the reason we suggested infant advil is for the anti-inflammatory effect, that should help reduce the swelling. The tylenol really only takes care of pain.

 

[SQ]

Good that he is feeling better.
Keep an eye on the swelling as extreme swelling can be dangerous.

 

[caitlinf]

Thank you, I will keep that in mind. I'm glad people here are so helpful, thanks so much!

 

[caitlinf]

He's completely better now, running and jumping and wrestling like he used to.

 

[jorats]

That's great news!

 

[lilspaz68]

That's great to hear! Mild sprains are just part of owning ratters