[Lament]

Hi there,
I have a problem with my white albino rat. I just wanted to let her walk around my room and noticed that something is wrong with her left hind leg - she doesn't want to step on it or leave any pressure on it. She was okay the whole day until now, I don't know when and how it happened. When I tried some moves with her leg, it didn't seem to be painful, but she also didn't try to step on my hand or take her leg away. The leg or fingers on it aren't swollen and I haven't found any blood or visible injury. The problem is that tomorrow and on tuesday I am at work, so I can't go to the vet with her until wednesday, so I wanted to ask for some ideas and advices: is there something I can do for her till we go to the vet?

Edit: I checked her leg again before going to bed and noticed that her foot is a little bit swollen. Also she is able to scratch herself with that leg, she is drinking, eating...but otherwise she doesnt want to do anything with that leg, so I don't know if it's broken or not. Any advice what can I do for her till I can go to the vet?

 

[Tinytoes]

Hi and don't worry, this happens. They can sprain or strain their little legs playing or climbing. Keep an eye on it for the next day and look for swelling. It's nature's way of immobilizing the injury, and they will hobble around and keep their weight off of the sore leg so it can heal. Just like us, a sprained ankle is painful, but we get over it without a doctor visit. It just takes time. Rats are amazing healers!! Best of luck 💞

 

[Lament]

Hi and don't worry, this happens. They can sprain or strain their little legs playing or climbing. Keep an eye on it for the next day and look for swelling. It's nature's way of immobilizing the injury, and they will hobble around and keep their weight off of the sore leg so it can heal. Just like us, a sprained ankle is painful, but we get over it without a doctor visit. It just takes time. Rats are amazing healers!! Best of luck 💞

I checked her leg now and noticed that her foot is a little bit swollen. Do you think she broke her leg or something? And what can I do for her before we get to the vet?

 

[Fofo]

I second what Tinytoes has said. It sounds like she just has a sprain. This has happened to many of my rats and they always heal in a week or less. It's not necessary to take them to the vet for it, it will heal on it's own.

 

[LT_2022]

I would leave a diagnosis to the vet. Just keep the rat comfortable until the appointment. I'd remove all ledges, hammocks, etc that would require climbing to get into. A temporary one story level living space with nothing to climb and aggravate the leg would be best. And if you were wondering, don't give your rat any pain medicine of any kind. Leave that to the vet to prescribe.

 

[Ratty_123]

I checked her leg now and noticed that her foot is a little bit swollen. Do you think she broke her leg or something? And what can I do for her before we get to the vet?

Sprained ankles in rats:

Rat Sicknesses & Illnesses

 

[Lament]

Thank you for all advices. She is pretty well, but tries to rest for most of the time. We can go to the vet on wed so I hope she will get better til then. Thank you guys for your support! ❤