[Moose54]

Hi, I'm new here, btw... but I'll get straight to the point, perhaps trolling the forums a bit at a later time... :wink:

So, I woke up today, and, when I saw my rat, Bob, he seemed to have some trouble using his left back leg. He had trouble scratching himself or using it to move himself around. So I sort of put a splint on it, so it he wouldn't move around too much and make it worst. But, he's now lying on his back with his feet in the air, I don't think he likes it :?

Any tips, or information is appreciated!

-Moose

 

[Forensic]

I'm surprised he hasn't gnawed the splint off, personally.

He may have simply sprained it or twisted it and so doesn't want to use it. But I wouldn't suggest taking him to see a vet just in case.

 

[Moose54]

I'm surprised he hasn't gnawed the splint off, personally.

He may have simply sprained it or twisted it and so doesn't want to use it. But I wouldn't suggest taking him to see a vet just in case.

Erm, he started chewing on it.
As for "not wanting to use it", he wants to, but has a hard time scratching his side (lifting the foot), but he seems ok to scratch the side of his head, though.

 

[Moose54]

Fixed a typo in this first post stating he was *not* lying on his back, well he was. He looks ok for the moment. healthy, just uncomfortable I'd say.

 

[Vixie]

If it was a sprain, your vet will probably just tell you to stretch and massage it gently, maybe give you some pain meds. I don't know about a break, though, Meromi has only ever sprained or twisted her ankle and the vet just keeps telling me to stretch, massage, and discourage excessive movement until she starts to put more weight on the leg.

(Btw, if anyone feels this is an incorrect way to treat a sprained leg, please correct me)