whole body jolting

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R

_ratowner

Active Member
Joined
Jan 11, 2019
Messages
36
Location
Canada
I wasn’t too sure how to title this.

A little earlier, I was standing by the cage watching my boys. One of them was part way in their igloo and I noticed that his whole body was jolting. I was thinking it may just be hiccups but it seemed to strong and exaggerated to be just hiccups.

I tried searching it up but all that came up was websites about seizures. Of course I freaked out at the fact that that is a possibility so I skimmed a few then came across this video:
⚠️WARNING⚠️


My boy’s wasn’t like what was shown in the video. He didn’t run around the cage or seize like that. His was more of uncontrollable spasms or something of the sort. I then worded the search differently and came across this thread that was posted on rat shack: https://www.ratshackforum.com/threads/body-spasms.27899/

The users in that thread suggested that they were just hiccups and I am hoping that is the case for my boy as well.

I am not quite sure what else to add so if you have any questions to better understand the situation I would be glad to answer them if it means that I can know what is going on my my boy.

Please get back to me as soon as possible as I would like to know as soon as I can.. thank you in advance. All help and replies are appreciated.
 
One of my girls is super dramatic with her hiccups. She'll start jolting her entire body if she knows I'm watching.! I love seeing the different personalities of my girls. Another it's almost like they aren't existent. It might just be your ratties personality to be dramatic.! I wouldn't worry too much and just watch him.!
 
Kye said:
One of my girls is super dramatic with her hiccups. She'll start jolting her entire body if she knows I'm watching.! I love seeing the different personalities of my girls. Another it's almost like they aren't existent. It might just be your ratties personality to be dramatic.! I wouldn't worry too much and just watch him.!
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Thank you for the reply. The movements were strong enough for him to loose balance. Both of my boys are quite lazy and have always been that way and really only get excited when I have treats or when I call them so I don’t feel he would be overly dramatic about something like hiccups.
 
Hmm.. I'm not sure what it could be then.. I'll try to think of something else.. But someone might get to you first.. I suppose it could have been muscle spasms but I'm not sure what would cause that..
 
I'd try to take a video of your rat during the jerking episode. Showing us a video and saying it's like this, but he doesn't do 90% of what the video shows you, is very little information given. Other members such a lilspaz68, jorats, and SQ may also see that video and see things we all missed.


If it is muscle spasms, muscle spasms can happen from a number of different issues, including overexertion of the muscle, the muscle weak from no use, or even low potassium and/or magnesium levels. However, since you said your rats aren't very active, I would say it's not due to overexertion. If it's whole body, it's unlikely that it's because of little muscle use.

If it's because of nerves, it can be nerve damage, or an issue with the brain or spine. People with Multiple Sclerosis and Fibromyalgia usually have muscle spasms due to nerve damage. Though, often if there is nerve damage, you have other symptoms such as altered balance, weakness in limbs, etc.

As for low magnesium or potassium levels, maybe try giving them a bit of banana or some almonds (unseasoned and unsalted, of course). See if that helps with the spasms. And see what else is high in potassium and magnesium, that's just what I know off the top of my head.
 
ViciousCurse said:
I'd try to take a video of your rat during the jerking episode. Showing us a video and saying it's like this, but he doesn't do 90% of what the video shows you, is very little information given. Other members such a lilspaz68, jorats, and SQ may also see that video and see things we all missed.


If it is muscle spasms, muscle spasms can happen from a number of different issues, including overexertion of the muscle, the muscle weak from no use, or even low potassium and/or magnesium levels. However, since you said your rats aren't very active, I would say it's not due to overexertion. If it's whole body, it's unlikely that it's because of little muscle use.

If it's because of nerves, it can be nerve damage, or an issue with the brain or spine. People with Multiple Sclerosis and Fibromyalgia usually have muscle spasms due to nerve damage. Though, often if there is nerve damage, you have other symptoms such as altered balance, weakness in limbs, etc.

As for low magnesium or potassium levels, maybe try giving them a bit of banana or some almonds (unseasoned and unsalted, of course). See if that helps with the spasms. And see what else is high in potassium and magnesium, that's just what I know off the top of my head.
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Thank you for your reply. I have only ever seen him do it this once so I doubt you will be getting a video. I did not state that his symptoms were shown in the video I had linked, I just stated that I came across that video during my research and even said it “wasn’t like what was shown in the video”.

Thank you for your help and suggestions, I appreciate it.

Do you think I should be worried?
 
I must have read it wrong, apologies then. Long night studying for finals lol.

As of now, no. No use getting too worked up about it when it was only once, however giving some banana or almond would never hurt (in small amounts). If it happens again, I'd at least consider calling a vet and asking for some advice.
 
ViciousCurse said:
I must have read it wrong, apologies then. Long night studying for finals lol.

As of now, no. No use getting too worked up about it when it was only once, however giving some banana or almond would never hurt (in small amounts). If it happens again, I'd at least consider calling a vet and asking for some advice.
Click to expand...

It’s no worries. Thank you again for your help. I did give them some almonds as little treat and I will be sure to pick up a banana for them next time I go to the shop :)
 

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