How to Recognize the Signs of Paralysis in Elderly Rats

Hind limb paralysis is relatively common in elderly rats. In particular, male rats seem to be more prone to developing complete hind leg paralysis, though female rats can also develop paralysis of varying degrees. Paralysis occurs gradually due to spinal degeneration caused by the rat's advanced age. It's vital to understand the signs of paralysis in pet rats, because special changes in care will be required to ensure that the rat lives a happy, healthy life, even through his golden years.

Instructions

1. Look for a drooping tail. Young, healthy rats hold their tails up off the ground as they walk. An elderly rat allows his tail to drag as he walks. This is among the first signs of spinal degeneration in an aging rat.

2. Watch for a loss of coordination in the rear legs. An aging rat with spinal degeneration begins to lose fine motor skills in the rear feet, making climbing difficult or impossible. The rat also develops a more shuffling gait, and he will not lift his feet as he walks.

3. Notice any muscle atrophy in the hind quarters--the legs, hips and pelvic area. When muscles are not used properly for walking and climbing, the muscles atrophy and shrink due to lack of use. This is very common in elderly rats who are developing paralysis. The rat's hind quarters will take on a bonier and less muscular appearance.

4. Take note of soiled fur. A rat who is experiencing spinal degeneration often becomes incontinent and experiences a loss of sensation in his hind quarters. This makes it more likely that the rat will urinate and sit in the soiled bedding without realizing it. It's vital to bathe a rat to remove the urine, which will burn the rat's skin, causing sores and infections.

5. Look for a rat who is wobbly or unsteady when sitting on his haunches. Most rats sit on their haunches while grooming or while eating. A rat who is losing use of his hind legs becomes wobbly when sitting upright on his rear legs. As the rat's spinal degeneration progresses and the paralysis becomes more advanced, the rat will stop sitting upright on his haunches. He will eat while standing on all fours and grooming will become more difficult.

6. Keep in mind that during the advanced stages of paralysis in elderly rats, the rat will no longer use his rear legs. He will drag his hind legs and he will require special care for his special needs. Fortunately, this condition is not painful and most rats will remain surprisingly mobile. The gradual onset of paralysis allows the rat to make life changes that make the condition easier to live with.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek immediate veterinary attention if a rat becomes paralyzed over a short period of time. Paralysis due to spinal degeneration in rats is a slow, gradual process that takes place over several months. Sudden paralysis occurs due to injury or infection, which requires immediate veterinary attention.

• The age of onset for paralysis in rats varies. Some rats develop the early signs of hind limb paralysis as early as 20 months of age.

• Understand what illnesses and conditions are more likely to affect a paralyzed rat and understand the symptoms of these various illnesses and medical problems. This will make it much easier to understand when a trip to the veterinarian is required.