Pinched Nerve? What can I do for my rat?

[trangel]

Has anyone ever had a rat who experienced the following: screeching out in pain when touched in certain places (i.e. lower back and tail), stays in ingloo instead of the normal exploratory, outgoing, mannerisms, bites at tail when he feels pain? He has no external indications that there is something wrong. I have pushed around his tummy to see if he is tender in that location and it appears his trouble spots are only his lower back and tail. I am almost positive we are dealing with a pinched nerve. Now what?

Tin-Tin was off all day yesterday and this morning he is no better. Any thoughts?

 

[lilspaz68]

Is he an older rat? Could he have fallen? It does sound like its his back end that hurts. You need pain relief and an anti-inflammatory. A vet trip would be best but if you cannot get to the vet right away, you can pick up infant liquid ibuprofen (rats really like grape-flavoured Advil) and that should help reduce any swelling and help with discomfort.

 

[trangel]

Thank you. Tin-Tin will be a year in March. He has not fallen and this seems to have come on quite suddenly.

 

[*Rebel_Angel*]

I hope he feel's better!

 

[jorats]

I'd get him to a vet asap. Poor little guy, sounds like he need pain management and then hopefully he can heal. Might be some trauma to the area.