My pet rat has a missing paw. How can I help him walk normally?

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!

It sounds like the rathas suffered some sort of traumatic damage to the foot. It could just be a sprain, but likewise could be a fracture etc. If the rat is in pain it warrants veterinary attention. I would attend a local clinic where they can ascertain the extent of the damage and provide appropriate treatment.

Thanks for reaching out about Cookie and including photos. Placing in a small cage would help prevent complications. Rear limb paresis (weakness) is not uncommon in aging rats. Providing soft substrate such as old towels/T-shirts works well. Allowing time out for exercise is still important. Anti-inflammatory medications could prevent progression of paresis, but a veterinary visit is needed to prescribe. Good luck.

Just make sure to keep an eye on it and try to clean it very gently at least once a day with warm water and a mild soap, you can use a gauze pad to do this. Dry it carefully and then apply your topical treatment. However, if this stresses him out too much, just continue as you have been doing. Make sure his toes stay pink and warm and he keeps getting better. If anything at all changes for the worse, swelling, weeping wound, loss of appetite or activity level, if his toes change color or get cold, get him back in to see your vet right away. It sounds like you're doing a good job caring for his injury.

Hello. It is hard to tell how this pup might do as it grows. If there are no pads, & the pup has to walk basically on just skin, this can definitely cause pain & lameness, even with the intact metacarpal pad. If he manages just to walk on this, he may be comfortable, but I would imagine his gait will be off or awkward. In the long term, he may do really well wearing a protective boot on the foot. Only time will tell. An x-ray of the foot may give more information. And yes. This defect in various forms, happens in many breeds. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I recommend taking Gray to a vet for xrays of the foot to see what malformation it is. If Gray is still able to move well and not in pain, then I would let it go without treatment. Cats (and dogs) do well on 3 limbs if necessary but if he’s in pain it needs to be addressed. Once a vet sees the malformation they can discuss treatment options if needed. Good luck and kisses to Gray!