fancy mouse

Question
QUESTION: I have a month old fancy mouse who lives alone in her cage. She has torn the bottom of her ear, she was trashing around at first but now she is stabilized and seems to be ok. I have put some antibiotic ointment on her ear and I just read I can put some iodine on the ear as well. Her ear is lopsided now and really red.  Is there anything else I can do for her?

ANSWER: Hi Brittany,

Ouch!  That sounds very painful!  I am very sorry to hear she has hurt her ear like that.  Do you know what in the cage caused the accident?

You can clean the ear with iodine or betadine - a gentler solution made from iodine - 2-3 times a day if she will let you.  Do not worry if it stains her ear as it is very safe, just try to dab as much of it away each time with a little gauze dipped in clean, warm water.  Try not to use cotton balls as the cotton can become snagged as it begins to scab over which can irritate it more.  The same place you got iodine should have little squares of gauze you can use that will be gentler.

After disinfecting with the iodine or betadine, apply that small dab of antibiotic ointment you were talking about, which will not only help it heal, but will also catch debris from her cage in the ointment, reducing the chance of infection.  You don't need very much, though, as she'll likely clean most of it away pretty quickly, and that is okay.

Basically - you're doing great, just keep taking careful care of it!

Depending on how severe the tear is, you will need to watch very closely for signs of infection.  If the ear remains red or starts to swell, if the reddening spreads, if it starts to ooze or weep (especially if the oozing is a different color, not clear), or if you notice a bad smell when you clean it, the ear may be infected.  An injury can get infected even when using antibiotic ointment.  An injury that is healing normally will see reduced swelling and redness in the first 24-48 hours, then a scab surrounded by normally colored and non-irritated skin, and after a few more days new skin will start to slowly form.  If you suspect the ear is becoming infected, please visit a vet in your area who is familiar with pocket pets to get help with the ear and possibly some antibiotics.  If you cannot find anyone after calling around, please let me know and I will help however I can, but if it is infected, a vet should be your first and best bet if at all possible.

Best of luck, and please let me know if I can help with anything more!
-Tam

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for responding so quickly. My daughter was returning her to the cage and  top opening of the cage closed on her ear.  I told my daughther who's 5 she's not to be handled by her until she's better. She's a very good pet. Just yesterday I was bathing her with a wet cloth and she really seemed to enjoy it.

Answer
Ouchies!  That must have scared the both of them.  :(

I would hold off on baths at least until the ear is healed - she may enjoy it but we don't want her getting chilled while her body is focusing on healing.  She does sound like a wonderful pet.  My fingers are crossed for her feeling better very soon!

-Tam