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My pet rat is dragging her leg. What should I do if my rat's leg is lame?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rat | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 2 months old | 2 lbs

Hi my pet rat is not using her toes anymore or her foot she just drags the foot along the floor she still seems happy n jumpy but I fell sorry for her the pictures in this the ones with a spot is her good leg the one without is the leg that don't work, please tell me how to help her

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 6th, 2018

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!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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