HELP!!! Something is wrong with my rat.

Question

My pet rat is suddenly acting weird. She has lost weight and is having trouble walking on her hind legs. When ever she tries to walk she ends up dragging her feet a little. Other than this one problem she seems to be fine. She has no tumors, bumps, or cysts and seems to have normal respiratory breathing. She is old and probable towards the end of her years but I don't know what I can do for her. I've arranged for a meeting with our vet but that wont be till tomorrow. Does anyone know what might be wrong with her?

Thanks

Answer 1

Anything, from cancer to diabetes to old age.

Most likely, a stroke bought on with old age would lead to weight loss and loss of leg use.

Answer 2

I have a whole bunch of rats in my attic.... they keep me up at night by scratching at the walls....kinda creepy if you ask me...

Answer 3

sometimes older rats can get stiff and have trouble moving when they get up. if this doesnt clear up by morning, take her to a vet.

Answer 4

My 2 old boys had the exact thing your talking about.  This happens sometimes when rats get old, unfortunatley my boys both had it!  

It's "hind leg paraylsis" and it's very common in old rats.  Don't worry, it may look distressing but the rats come very well with it.  My boys went on for another year after developing it.  You just have to be vigilent, make sure the food and water are on the bottom level of the cage so she can get to it easy.  Make sure ramps are low so they don't fall.  She will probably have a harder time keeping herself clean as she'll have problems sitting on her hind legs so she might need some help (particularly in the ears).

Do a quick search in google... there's lots written about it.

Answer 5

Anything you read here is just going to get you worried, wondering whether it's this disease or that parasite, or whatever.  Relax.  Pet your rat.  Feed your rat.  Hold your rat.  You'll get an actual diagnosis in less than 24 hours.