Why is my 6-month-old rat suddenly lethargic and dragging back legs?

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal or respiratory diseases (infection/inflammations) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. A check up is needed if the signs last for more than 24hours. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

I am sorry to hear about your rat! There are numerous possible causes for this issue, including trauma resulting in skeletal injury or injury to a nerve or the spine. Degenerative disease as well as some tumors can also cause paralysis of the limbs. I would recommend having Falicity examined by a veterinarian to ensure she isn't in pain and to see if something may be done to help (for example, some tumors may be surgically removed). Best of luck to you and Falicity!

Thanks for reaching out about Luna. Sounds as if she needs to be seen by a veterinarian to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Back injuries respond better to earlier intervention, than later. Remove all platforms, or anything else she could fall from to lessen chance of re-injury. Good luck.

I'm worried about Biggens. Two years old is actually pretty old for a rat. I would be worried about a blood clot or tumor causing damage. Unfortunately there's not likely many treatment options for him. If he is not improving within 12- 24 hours, take him into the veterinarian for an exam and to find out what the next steps are. You definitely want to make sure he's not in pain. Best of luck with Biggens.

I am sorry to hear about Remy. Unfortunately without a vet I don't think there is much to do for Remy besides being sure he is provided with a nice soft/comfortable area to sleep and being sure there aren't areas in his cage he could fall (such as a tall shelf or box) and monitoring to be sure he is eating and drinking. If he is having trouble getting around then be sure he has easy access to food and water. If he isn't moving on his own you may need to offer him water via a syringe and place his food right in front of him. If he isn't improving you may need to travel to wherever a vet is located closest to you. Best of luck.

Thanks for reaching out. Mice can get degenerative hind limbs or muscle atrophy. It is more common in rats and usually associated with lower spinal disease. Back injuries are also common. If the problem continues or progresses, a visit to the veterinarian could provide some treatments to slow the progression. Good luck

Rats, particularly as they grow older, are prone to getting tumors in their brain. In an older rat, this would definitely be my top differential. Other causes include an infectious disease or lack of sugar. In order diagnose a brain tumor, diagnostic imaging would be required. Hope this helps. He should be seen by a vet right away if the seizure activity is continuing and is violent in nature.