How to Keep a Paralyzed Rat in Good Health

Paralysis is relatively common in elderly rats, particularly in older male rats. The degree of paralysis varies, but this is a progressive condition that requires special care to maintain a rat's health in his golden years. A paralyzed elderly rat is going to be prone to several potential health problems, so it's vital that rat owners provide special accommodations and care for a paralyzed rat.

Things You'll Need

  • Supply of clean fabric bedding
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Antibacterial soap
  • 2 clean towels
  • Tissues or paper towels
  • Small scale and log
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the paralyzed rat from his cage and handle it every day. A paralyzed rat will spend more time sitting and resting, and less time walking around. This more stationary lifestyle makes the rat prone to developing pneumonia due to fluids that will pool in the lungs due to lack of movement. So it's vital to remove the rat from his cage to promote movement and interaction at least once a day, though more frequent handling is ideal.

    • 2

      Check a male rat's genitals daily. A paralyzed male rat will develop a waxy plug at the tip of his penis. Use a clean tissue or paper towel to gently remove this plug. This waxy plug will be removed by a healthy rat during routine self-grooming, but a paralyzed rat has no means to remove the waxy plug, which can lead to urinary tract and bladder infections when left in place.

    • 3

      Weigh the paralyzed rat three times per week and record his weight in a log. Weight loss is the first sign of illness and infection, and elderly paralyzed rats are more prone to developing infections and other ailments. An elderly rat should be taken to the veterinarian at the first sign of illness.

    • 4

      Bathe the rat at least once a day, because its skin and fur becomes soiled with urine or feces. Frequent bathing is vital to prevent urinary tract infection, skin infection and painful sores. Sniff the rat's hind quarters if he appears clean; sometimes, the urine will dry on the fur, which still poses a danger to the rat's health but is more difficult to detect.

    • 5

      Feed a high-quality diet to an elderly rat, as this will improve his immune system and help him to combat illness and infection.

    • 6

      Visit the veterinarian at the first sign of a skin sore or infection. If a skin sore develops on the rat's underside, this can be difficult to heal due to the way that the rat will drag his hind quarters as he moves around. This can make healing difficult, especially if the rat is incontinent and ends up soiling the fur and skin around the sores. Regular cleaning is vital to heal sores, but it usually requires oral antibiotics to prevent infection and to promote healing in a timely manner.