Help! Limping rat :(

[doloise]

My 11mo old rat, Devin, is limping....I took him out of his cage for the first time today and noticed that he isn't walking or putting any pressure on on of his back feet. He's hopping around on the other three legs and keeping the other one up off the ground, tucked up against his body. His foot is kind of folded in, instead of laying out flat. He was fine last night

Does anyone know what could be wrong with him? His foot seems fine, no blood, swelling, or discoloration. He pulls away when I try to touch it though.

 

[lilspaz68]

My 11mo old rat, Devin, is limping....I took him out of his cage for the first time today and noticed that he isn't walking or putting any pressure on on of his back feet. He's hopping around on the other three legs and keeping the other one up off the ground, tucked up against his body. His foot is kind of folded in, instead of laying out flat. He was fine last night

Does anyone know what could be wrong with him? His foot seems fine, no blood, swelling, or discoloration. He pulls away when I try to touch it though.

sounds like a typical sprain. he will likely just favour it until it feels better and it will heal on its own. No swelling is a good thing, meaning its minor.

 

[jorats]

I agree with lilspaz... it's very common for rats to sprain themselves.

 

[doloise]

Thank you....

I put him in his own cage away from my other rats for a while. He seems to be doing okay and I saw him trying to test out his leg. I'll watch him for the next few days and hopefully it will get better.

Thanks again!

 

[xxchelle]

I wouldn't separate him, unless his friends are causing him physical harm. Bonded rats can become depressed very quickly when split up.

If you're going to keep him in a large-based, no level (or low levels) cage while he heals, then put a friend in with him.

 

[doloise]

Okay, that's a good point. Thank you for the advice!