Mouse died with unusual symptoms, concerned for others

Question
Our mouse Butters was about 2 months old and a very active little guy. This morning we noticed that his fur on his face and his entire under belly was covered in a wet, brownish residue. He couldn't move, and when we tried give him water/food, and wiped his body with a damp, warm cloth. By the end of the day he was dead. We're worried that our other 3 mince (2 older, 1 younger) are at risk! What could have killed Butters, and is it contagious?

Answer
Hi Julie,

I'm afraid his illness/symptoms are completely out of my expertise. I suggest you write to the online vet at the addy I give in my profile. I have absolutely no medical or veterinarian training.

However, you should act immediately to protect the others in case they are in danger.

You need to change absolutely everything in their cage and environment. If you can't wash something with a bleach solution, throw it away. Carefully examine the source of food and bedding for anything strange. Boil the water bottle and give them bottled water if possible.

If you want to be careful, make an appointment with the vet immediately and bring all the mice in as well as the little corpse.  The vet may be able to treat them for something that they caught from the other; and it will rest your mind.

If you do get an answer from a vet, please let me know. I'm supposed to refuse questions out of hand when they are out of my expertise, but because so often there are little lives at stake, I almost never do.

I am very sorry  for your loss. I hope no one else gets sick.

Squeaks,

Natasha