holding back leg up

[emmalouise43]

Hi guys Ive been looking round the forum for some advice but can't find anything the same. My young degu has just started holding her back leg up on occasion she's not limping but sometimes when she stops running she picks it up. She uses it normally and runs around like an idiot as if it's not bothering her. Ive had a look and can't see anything I even bathed it with warm water. Does anyone have any ideas.
Thanks

[deguconvert]

She probably has injured it somehow, either from a fall, or a bad jump, or something. Very possibly it is a muscle strain/sprain. Degus are masters at disguising their pain, and as prey animals, they have to be. They have been known to run on broken legs! If you bathed it, I am sure you would have noticed if there were a broken bone, but if you are uncertain, do take her to your vet. You can help her rest it more by removing her wheel, and limiting her movement in the cage to the lowest level. This can really help, but owners that have degus that are especially active and, for instance run throughout the day on their wheel, the anxiety that is generated by the loss of the wheel in the cage can create difficulties for the degu that actually make it better to leave the wheel in. So use your best judgement. I hope she improves quickly for you!

[emmalouise43]

Thanks for the help she doesn't seem to be holding it up as much but I'll keep an eye on it and keep checking it.

[degumotherandamateur]

Ones of my girls had this with her back leg about a week ago. I decided to keep an eye on it as it was the weekend and I haven't yet found a vet near us that knows degus particularly well.

After a few days she back to normal so it must had been a muscle injury or a small sprain. I would say if it's not looking good tomorrow then take them down to the vets just to be safe.

[emmalouise43]

I think she's ok now not seen her holding her leg up today but I'll keep checking just in case.