Rat of unknown age (rehomed at least twice) He is at least two years. Came in be

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Rat of unknown age (rehomed at least twice) He is at least two years. Came in because the owner had noticed a plantigrade stance and gait (like cats with diabetes mellitus)
I noticed this alopecia as well. The owner says he is not puritic, but I could se he was several times while he was in the consultation room.
No time today to adress the skin problem,- but I have started him on Bravecto for now.
I was wondering if there was a endocrinological link between the alopecia and the plantigrade posture,- or if they are two separate problems.
I saw that the plantigrade posture can be a geriatric problem in rats?
Any input? I have sceduled for X ray of his back legs and columna. I can draw blood then if that’s of interest. Recheck his skin.….

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Any age related issues can be the cause of these symptoms. Even Cushings, although I personally have not seen this in rats (quite a few in Syrian hamsters, tho). It was described spontaneously in a few animals in 1990, but the symptoms were not specifically skin related.
Yes, arthritis and or neurological/musculoskeletal degeneration can also be the cause.
Pituitary tumors often cause forelimb ataxia, loss of propioception, general malaise and other symptoms, but you never know…
If the issues do not resolve by bravecto, are there funds for a CT?
If not, check bloods and see if you can give nsaids and Famotidine for a trial test of analgesia. Keep us posted!