Swollen front paw

[Clumzilla]

Okay so to make it short today when I woke up I went to my rats cage to change their water and give them food and I took one of my rat, she squealed a bit which she never do. So I took a look at her worried an found out one of her front paw is swollen. I would say it's about half more it's usual size and slightly reddish. I have a three floor cage and think that might have fallen. So I moved her to my bed a part of the day so she can be on a long flat surface. She can still move and use her paw (As I saw her clean herself with it) but she won't walk with it and keep it close and kind of balled against herself she is still very energetic and healthy but I am still worried. I don't have allot of money so I'd like to be sure it's an emergency before spending some money on bringer her to a vet.

I hope some of you can give me some answers, I am so worried for her.

Thanks

 

[xxchelle]

It sounds like a basic sprain, keep your eye on her, the swelling should go down within a day or two

 

[lizmo1221]

It sounds like she has a simple sprain. Does she put any weight on it at all, or just keep it next to her body? If she can walk around and climb I see no reason to separate her from her cagemates. It will only stress her out being alone and she will only do what won't hurt her int he cage. Maybe add some food and water to all levels of the cage so she doesn't have to move far if she is hungry or thirsty.

It should heal on its own in a few days. If not, or if the swelling/pain gets bigger, I would think about going to a good rat vet.

Edit: Chelle basically said the same thing lol

 

[Clumzilla]

Thanks you for the fast answer. I'm keeping a eye on her the best I can.

EDIT:

She does not put any weight on it and keep it close and she still use it to clean herself or to eat. She still run and climb but she does not use her paw to do so. I already moved the food to the lower the floor level, she sleep a bit into her house but she like to climb up to sleep with the other in the hammock. She look okay

 

[Moon]

Poor girl! We've all had it happen though. Give her a special treat and a smooch!

 

[Clumzilla]

Update!

Her front paw completely healed but instead and I have no clue how, one of her back paw go a very swollen. I discovered it this morning as the other rat tried cleaning her and she kept squealing. It's more red and she lift her paw every time she walk. She squeak allot and have been chewing allot of stuff she finds around which make me think she is in a bigger amount of pain that she was before. She still eat and drink and go around the cage but it make me anxious to see her like this.

I will see if the situation is better tomorow and if not I will bring her to a vet. Is there anything I could do to help her feel better?

 

[Exodog]

Does your cage have wire mesh floors? Covering it in a layer of fleece would help to reduce chance of injury as well as increase comfort and ease of cleaning in the cage.
Is there any way you could get a picture of it? On the hind feet there's a higher likelihood of Bumblefoot.

 

[Clumzilla]

The floor and levels of my cage are solid and not wired and the ladders are not wired too so I don't think she got caught in there or could get hurt more.

 

[jorats]

Because she was favouring one paw, she might have injured the other one in the process. If it stays swollen for more than 3 days, I'd go to the vet, it could be cellulitis.

 

[Clumzilla]

So yeah New!

My little Crackie have completely recovered from her two paws injury they both are their normal size now and she is hyper as ever. (I'm sure she enjoyed all the extra cuddles and attention I gave her, without talking of the little treats too)

So thanks you all for the help : D

 

[mamarat]

So glad your girl is doing better.

 

[PitLuvs]

My Lenir is bad for front paw sprains, he's had two so far. Glad to hear your little one is doing better!