Paralysis is common in elderly rats, particularly in older male rats. Age-related rat paralysis is a gradual process that occurs over weeks and months, which is good in that it allows the elderly rat and the rat owner to adjust to the changes.
Fortunately, an elderly paralyzed rat can maintain a good quality of life, but special grooming and health care is required for these aging rats.
Grooming Care for Paralyzed Rats
Paralyzed rats often lack proper sensation in the hind quarters. Pair this with the varying degrees of incontinence that are commonly seen in paralyzed rats and it leads to a situation where the rat may urinate and soil his fur without realizing it. Therefore, owners of paralyzed rats must check for odor, wetness or other signs of soiling several times per day.
Urine and feces can burn a rat's sensitive skin, leading to pain, infection and sores. Since a paralyzed rat "scoots" instead of walking, this places constant pressure on the paralyzed hind quarters, making sores and injuries difficult to heal.
The key to a good quality of life is close monitoring and prevention of skin problems like sores due to prolonged contact with urine or feces. To prevent skin problems, the rat must be bathed to remove the urine and feces from the skin and fur.
Bathing Paralyzed Rats
One easy way to bathe a paralyzed rat involves using a large mixing bowl - holding the rat under running water is stressful and frightening. Instead, fill the bowl with water and use an anti-bacterial soap like Dial to gently wash the rat's soiled fur and skin. Often, only the hind quarters require bathing. Once the rat has been washed, replace the bowl of soapy water with fresh water and gently rub the skin and fur to remove the soap. Repeat this last step if necessary to remove all of the soap. Never leave a paralyzed rat unsupervised in a bowl of water.
Once bathing is complete, use a towel to gently dry the rat's fur and skin. Do not allow a paralyzed rat to scoot around until his fur has dried. Most rats will enjoy being wrapped up in a warm towel for some cuddling - a great opportunity for quality time with the pet.
Other Special Care for Paralyzed Rats
Regular bathing that's often required for paralyzed rats can be drying to the rat's skin. To counteract the problem of dry skin in rats, provide the rat with several chunks of bread soaked with olive oil at each meal. A small amount of oil can also be given using a liquid syringe. The oil can also be massaged into the rat's skin to help combat dryness, but be sure to wipe away any excess.
Male rats will also need help keeping the genitals clean. Males will develop a small waxy plug that forms at the tip of the penis. A healthy, young rat will tend to this during normal grooming, but a paralyzed rat will require assistance in removing the waxy plug to allow for proper urination. Male rats should be checked daily.
Rat owners should also be on the constant look-out for signs of skin infection and urinary tract infection. Skin infection can be signaled by redness, swelling, tenderness and the formation of sores. A rat's urinary tract or bladder infection can be signaled by blood in the urine, urine with a strong odor, weight loss and a loss of appetite. For a paralyzed rat, prompt veterinary attention is required when an infection is suspected.
Related Reading
Visit our Rat Care Page for more information on how to care for a paralyzed pet rat's cage. common rat health problems, learn how to provide nursing care for a sick rat and more!
