Elderly Rats and Hind Leg Degeneration

As rats get older you may notice they start to develop a more waddling gait and drag their tails along the ground. This is the beginning of 'hind leg degeneration'. Hind leg weakness is caused by degeneration of the spinal nerve and is common in some lines of rats. It can be hereditary or the result of trauma. It is a gradual process, and tends to affect males more often than females. 

Diet

 Diet and dietary supplements can go some way to delaying the progression.

 •Vitamin B12 supplement, about 50 micrograms per day (often available as part of b complex)

•Glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin can also help.(dosage guidelines - up to 75mg glucosamine and 50mg chondroitin daily)

•Cod liver oil once a week is also useful.

•Consider a diet lower in phosphates. Phosphorus draws calcium out of the bones, thus aggravating the condition.

•Ginger and honey tea (see link).

•Calcium supplement (I use Nutrobal from the vet)

•Flaxseed (I use Nutrasprout and also flaxseed oil)

Medical Help

 Some vets will prescribe steroids or an anti-inflammatory to help your rat. These tend to only be of short-term benefit, but are worth considering if your rat seems to be nearing the end of his life. Antibiotic cover should accompany steroids.

 Some rat owners have also found acupuncture a great help to the affected rat. Your vet should be able to recommend an animal acupuncturist, if there is one in your area. (They use BL40 Master Back and Hip point and Baihui points behind the knees).

 

Practical Care

Affected rats can need special care.

 

They can develop serious mobility problems ending up requiring a single level cage, and help with grooming. You need to pay particular attention to the ears of these rats, as they are unable to get their back legs up to clean them.

 

Male rats may also need help with keeping there private areas clean; they can develop a waxy plug in the penile shaft which needs removed daily to prevent urinary tract infections developing. Incontinence can also develop as the paralysis progresses so it is important to keep your rat (and his cage) clean. Pay particular attention to the underside of the tail as fecal matter can become incrusted and sores can develop.

 Toenails on the back feet need to be trimmed very regularly.

Eating can also be difficult as most rats sit up to eat. You can help this by providing a nutritionally balanced softer diet (in a low bowl or saucer) or teaching your rat to wedge himself in corners to eat.

Raised bumpers tied to the side of the cage, or ricebags placed around the cage can also help them to prop themselves up.

Thanks to Cheryl for the bumper idea, and letting me use her photo of Neo.

Water bottles may need to be lowered, or a bowl/saucer provided.

 Some beddings also become less suitable e.g. chipped cardboard becomes difficult for the rat to deal with. They tend to have to 'swim' through it rather than walking on top. Vetbed can be especially suitable for affected rats, just changing out the newspaper underneath every morning. 

Be Positive

 It's not all doom and gloom though; rats can live a long time with the condition. Because it comes on gradually, they do learn to adapt and cope very well for the most part. Of course, if you have any concerns about his quality of life, then do not hesitate to seek veterinary advice.

 Peanut (47 months old in the photo) coped with hind leg degeneration for around 16 months. Despite being completely paralysed in the rear he still managed to move around the cage and enjoy the company of his cagemates. He passed away in his sleep aged 51 months.