ROM Exercises? Video added 1/27

[Dazzle87]

Missy's hind issues seem to be getting worse lately so I was looking into it again and saw range of motion exercises suggested. Has anyone ever done these? Also, I'm reaching here, but would anyone happen to have a video? I worked as a CNA for a little while and performed ROM exercises but I'm a bit lost about doing that with rats since well their hind end is put together differently lol.

You can see her poor stance there but look how cute!

 

[hopefloats]

I have nothing good to add to this other than I love that picture LOL sorry i am just now venturing into older rats so this is all new to me

 

[Dazzle87]

Haha it's okay! Thank you, I was pleased with how that picture came out.

Yeah it is hard when they get old, but their "golden years" they seem to be so sweet :heart:

 

[jorats]

This is very interesting. I've never thought of it although I've done some very light massages but never exercises.
First thing, you would need to know exactly in which way a normal limb works. You can do this by observing the young ones. From that and your previous experience you could probably devise an exercise regime.

She's an absolute doll and seems to be saying... Yo, you aren't messing with my limbs. lol

 

[Dazzle87]

Yeah I can try seeing how she should be moving. I guess I'm a little nervous about hurting her.

Thank you she sure is!

 

[mamarat]

With some of my older rats I would sit them in a bath and massage their legs and hips and they really seemed to enjoy it. Their legs weren't as "locked" after the bath, more supple. Does that make any sense? BTW she is a cutie.

 

I don't know what to suggest! But I do want to nominate her for RPOM

 

[Dazzle87]

Oh the bath massage idea sounds great! I'm definitely trying that.

Thanks ratty momma .

 

[Dazzle87]

Well, I wish I'd asked sooner, Missy just loved being massaged! She went crazy bruxing and boggling and trying to groom me :heart: Thanks for the tip!

 

[rhapsody]

SECONDED!

Hehe, I actually give massages to one of my boy rats - its not that he really needs it yet, but he enjoys it immensely and its a great way to bond. Nothing like having an alpha man-rat melt into a puddle of goo in your lap.

 

[Dazzle87]

Aww thanks so much for the second .

Yeah now that I know how much rats like it I'm going to do it to my other rats too.

I have a possible stupid question though, are muscle spasms normal in their legs?

 

[jorats]

Yes, muscle spasms are common especially with hed.

 

[*Rebel_Angel*]

Awww sweet oldie!!

 

[Dazzle87]

Thanks, it's a bit freaky to feel that lol.

Thanks, she is a sweet oldie, she's almost 30 months and aside from the HED she's doing great.

 

[Dazzle87]

My vet had me start her on metacam to see if it helps, it just seems to have made her tired but I'm going to try it for one more day and at a lower dose before stopping it.

Here's a video or her getting massages. I'll get one of my makeshift ROM exercises too but AFTER FINALS! lol

[BBvideo 425,350:2z1hah9x]http://s687.photobucket.com/albums/vv236/smesyna/?action=view&current=88fdc880.mp4[/BBvideo:2z1hah9x]

For some reason she only wanted it under the wodent wheel, but she was really going at me giving kisses.

 

[Bundyrats]

That's a great video!

 

[Dazzle87]

I finally got around to taking a video! It is short as it takes me forever to upload videos, but I thought others might like to see.

[BBvideo 425,350:2z7y26vz]http://s687.photobucket.com/albums/vv236/smesyna/?action=view&current=ROM.mp4[/BBvideo:2z7y26vz]

 

[mamarat]

Great video. How do you make her stay there? A treat?

 

[jorats]

Have you noticed an improvement or perhaps a more alert rat?

 

[Dazzle87]

I haven't seen a noticeable change in her HED, but it has not worsened.

She's just a really relaxed rat! She'll sit there and let you do whatever to her :giggle: She also seems to really enjoy it, I'm sure stretching those muscles feels good.