Cage advice for elderly rat (HLD?)

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Connie

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My 2 year old boy recently started dragging his back legs every once in a while. This confuses me because he can still groom himself and stand on his hind legs when he wants a treat. He usually doesn’t have problems getting around his cage (double critter nation) although he suddenly got much slower at going up and down the ladders and has difficulty climbing things. Should I switch him to a one level cage to make things easier or just keep him in his cage and keep an eye on him? Anyone have experience with elderly rats struggling to get around?
 
Are you sure it's HED? We usually call it hind end degeneration. Sometimes a male with a bladder infection will drag his back legs. With my own crew, the beginning of HED is not so concerning. I find they get around really well with the slight dragging. But when it becomes so severe, I usually set up the bottom of the CN for their comfort. I raise the ladder just enough so he can't reach it but low enough that the younger buddies can still access the bottom.
 
in addition to what has been mentioned:
- the floor of the cage is covered to make it soft,
- a litter box that is easy to enter is used,
- hammocks are hung very low so they are easy to get in and out of,
- I put cotton baby receiving blankets into the house and hammocks - changed twice a day re urine and thrown out if have holes or loose threads so rat will not get caught or injured
- use shallow food dishes,
- use a water dish that can not be upset in addition to water bottle,
- make sure food and water is easily accessible,
- provide a box/house that can be chewed

When they start having difficulty walking they can get feet caught in the ladder so if using it, make sure it is covered
- in addition to regular food start offering in a shallow dish a couple of times a day, rat blocks ground up and then soaked in cool water to make mush, as well as organic soy infant formula thickened with baby cereal - easier to eat and provide nutrition and help to keep rattie hydrated
and offer soft, easier to eat foods like cooked vegs, cooked grains, mixed greens

- check boys regularly for penis plugs and as they become unable to groom themselves well, you will need to help
 
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