rough redish patch of fur on back and wobbly walk

[dan2333]

My male rat is over 2 years old now. Lately, he is not as strong.

He can't walk as fast and he drags himself a bit when he walks. Also, there is a patch of fur on his back that is a bit red and discoloured. Maybe from heat or scratching, I'm not sure.

I have been feeding him pretty well, not overfeeding him either.

Is there any way to reverse this and make him stronger or is it just old age?

 

[lj]

I'd treat him for mites with revolution. Here's a good post for hed. viewtopic.php?f=21&t=17341&hilit=hed. When my guys get older, I give them more oatmeal and ensure, to keep them happy.

 

[jorats]

Is the skin discoloured as well? It might be wise to bring him to a vet to get him fully checked out.
I also treat for mites when I see patches or dermal issues.

 

[lilspaz68]

My guess is you have an old boy starting with HED (hind end degeneration) and the reddish fur, is it more just on the tips? If so it might be just porphyrin he cannot reach to groom off or as an older boy is too lazy to clean off.

Can you get us a pic?

 

[dan2333]

sorry, i don't know how to post a pic. Can someone give me instructions on how to post a picture on this message board?

 

[xxchelle]

viewtopic.php?f=36&t=1284

That's the how-to thread on posting pics here.

 

[dan2333]

Hi, I decided to just post the pictures on my blog.

Here's the link: http://qscdfg678.blogspot.com/2010/06/p ... s-fur.html

The patch just sort appeared over the last few days. I think some of the hair is missing now too.

I posted a few recent pictures of him as well: http://qscdfg678.blogspot.com/

 

[xxchelle]

I would treat for mites, but if it doesn't get better then I'd speak with your vet about the possibility of pyoderma.