Still limping after a week - off to the vet

[megan123]

Hey guys,

Last week, Rooney started limping - favoring his left hind leg. It was really bad for one day (he wouldn't use it at all), and then it kind of subsided but he is still not walking quite right. It has also been swollen since the limping first occurred. I have a vet appointment tomorrow (I wanted to go on Friday but totally forgot about the holidays this weekend). I usually go to the vet with some idea of what's wrong and its making me really nervous to be going with no idea what this could be.

Any ideas? I would imagine if it had been a sprain the swelling would have subsided by now.

 

[mamarat]

It could be cellulitis and he would need antibiotics for it. Good luck with your sweetie.
Although my Taz had a sprain and it took a good 3 weeks to heal.

 

[jorats]

After a week, it should have subsided with a sprain. Like mamarat mentioned, it could be cellulitis in which case he needs abs.

 

[megan123]

Back from the vet now and he thinks there was/is probably a fracture or crack, as the swelling isn't so much in the skin as it is in the joint, which is limiting the range of motion in the foot. He offered to do x-rays but said at this point we may as well treat for a fracture and see what happens. He said it didn't look like infection unless it was in the bone, in which case it would be really difficult to target. Other possibility is bone cancer, but he said it would be more likely worse at this point instead of showing improvement.

 

[mamarat]

Sending healing vibes to your sweetie.

 

[ChrisK]

Back from the vet now and he thinks there was/is probably a fracture or crack, as the swelling isn't so much in the skin as it is in the joint, which is limiting the range of motion in the foot. He offered to do x-rays but said at this point we may as well treat for a fracture and see what happens. He said it didn't look like infection unless it was in the bone, in which case it would be really difficult to target. Other possibility is bone cancer, but he said it would be more likely worse at this point instead of showing improvement.

Healing vibes coming your way...

What is the treatment for a fracture, then?

 

[megan123]

Not so much a treatment, I suppose, as it is just keeping him comfortable and waiting for it to heal on its own. 5 - 7 days of metacam.

 

[TheRatQueen]

How's the little man doing?

 

[ChrisK]

How's the little man doing?

:stickpoke: Any update?

 

[Godmother]

Hope he is improving. :tumkiss: to him.

 

[TheRatQueen]

Glad to hear it!

 

[KayRatz]

^She didn't say anything yet...

 

[TheRatQueen]

^She didn't say anything yet...

Oh jeesh... I thought Godmother's post was her replying, I didn't even look at the user name. I need sleep.

HAHAA :emb:

 

[megan123]

Sorry! Exams have been hectic and I haven't had a chance to reply.
Rooney seems to be doing well, still a bit gimpy in the back end but the doc said he may never regain full mobility in that foot so its probably normal. I stopped giving him metacam yesterday (as it has now been 7 days). He sees to be happy and is no longer in pain.

Thanks for your good wishes This rat of mine is a little bit of a derp now (permanent head tilt and gimpy leg) but I love him just the same :heart:

Megan.