HELP

[Megan]

I'm sure my rat has broken something in his leg. He's limping with his toes curled up and his foot is floppy. His inner thigh is also bruised. I've changed his cage to fleece and he has no where to climb, and I've been giving him ibuprofen. We have an appointment with the vet next Friday but what I don't know is if I should take him down so they can put him to sleep or in a splint, or leave him at least till Monday and see how he goes. Can anyone help advise me a little? please

 

[victoria]

Can you post a picture?

I would take him to the vet sooner. Sprains are more common than broken bones but neither is an automatic reason to euthanize. I don't think vets can put a splint on it but they can give you pain meds (Metacam is safer and longer acting than ibuprofen and if they need something stronger you need to get it from a vet) and make sure there aren't complications.

 

[lilspaz68]

When you say Friday, do you mean tomorrow or a week tomorrow?

is he able to use the foot/leg at all?

 

[Megan]

I'll try to get up a picture. I mean nest Friday, a week from tomorrow. He can put slight pressure on it and it's as if he can only use above the ankle if that makes any sense

 

[lilspaz68]

I'll try to get up a picture. I mean nest Friday, a week from tomorrow. He can put slight pressure on it and it's as if he can only use above the ankle if that makes any sense

when did he do this? How bad is the swelling, is there any severe red streaking or bruising of the foot/ankle?

 

[Megan]

He done it yesterday, there's no swelling or disfigurement but the inside of his leg is a little purple and his toes are curled up

 

[lilspaz68]

probably bruising and a sprain. If there's no swelling, then don't give him the ibuprofen, as it can cause issues with blood clotting and he's already bruised. Give him some time (2-4 days) and he should improve a lot. Put his water and food lower and make sure everything's readily accessible for him.

 

[jorats]

I agree, give him some time and he will probably do a full recovery. The leg might get worse in the healing process with the swelling. If the whole let becomes red or discoloured, it might be cellulitis, a blood infection which is easily treated with antibiotic.