Hope to walk again...

Dumboratty · Aug 5, 2015

So as posted in my previous 911 ER post, my newest addition can't walk right at all. After some research then a couple x-rays at my local vet ( who happens to be a close friend of mine ), we have come to the conclusion that Wobbs is in fact NOT paralyzed in his back legs but actually has a curved spine.. According to the vet , it's not the worse ever, but is far from normal. She also helped insure me that he is in no pain and besides the spine he is healthy. I set him up in a nice one level padded area to help him when he seems to flop side to side ( this is his way of walking). When I got home from work a few days ago I was amazed when I saw my fiance and Wobbs on the bed, Wobbs walking a lot better than usual... He would flop side to side as he tried his best to hold him self up but got 5 solid steps without the flopping. My fiance has continued making him walk ( flop ) around and I am astonished when I say that he is actually learning how to walk. Not a normal walk but a safer and more sturdy walk.

If we continue doing this is it possible that he might be able to walk better. and is there any sort of at home therapy or something to help with this ???

here is a vid of Wobbs Walking ( flopping ) ..

https://vid.me/2TPN

Joanne · Aug 5, 2015

I think that some physical therapy would probably be great for him. It doesn't sound like he came from a place where they would have spent any time with him, helping him develop musclular strength and coordination.
This is exactly the same problem that Hopefloats babies had - she rescued an entire litter with malformed spines. They did and are living happy rattie lives with minor adjustments to their living quarters and play areas.

Velo · Aug 5, 2015

Aww that's so great!

I absolutely think physical therapy could help somewhat. Plus a nice, clean, comfortable, loving home is surely helping also! You never know what kind of crud he was being fed before or if he had access to water enough either, so I'm sure his life is improving in all kinds of ways. Love and care can go a long way. Glad you guys are doing good. C:

dspch911 · Aug 5, 2015

We have a boy with spinal issues too its gave him a curly tail that hangs to the left instead if out straight. Now that he's over two he drags his back end like he has hed. We have him on DMG (holistic) and it seems to be helping with his mobility.

jorats · Aug 5, 2015

I believe hopefloats rats had curved spines as well and they did well with adjusted hammocks. But I wonder if hydrotherapy might be good?

Dumboratty · Aug 5, 2015

Thanks everyone for the replies, and yes I was thinking hydro therapy , ill need to do a slow intro to water with him as I only wash him with a cloth and by pouring water , and that's only on his back and his back end where he can't clean by himself. I stated some small exercises with his legs and arms , stretching in then out and so on. Anyone have any ideas on some ideas for physical therapy? And at the moment he does not have any hammocks or levels , he just rolls off , he has a fleece cube though that is just about an inch up off the ground of his pen, he loves tubes !