mouse hurt by cat, injured leg

Question
QUESTION: Natasha,
Me and my little sister were out the other day and we found out cat, Rerun, playing with a baby mouse. He has all his fur and his eyes are open, but you can tell that that was recent. He would barely fill a spoon, he is so small. We saved him from the cat, but he is missing the tip and claws of his front left foot, and the part that is still on is twisted in such a disturbing position, it is most likely broken. I have had him for two nights now. I have owned gerbils in the past, so I put him in their old terrarium, with some grass, leaves, and water in a low-rimmed bowl that he can reach, lettuce, very thin carrot strips, bird seed, and a bit of cheese on a soft washcloth. We have tried hard to keep him warm. He has been eating, drinking, sleeping, and urinating/pooping easily and regularly, but it is VERY hard for him to move. My mom wants us to let him go, but with the cats and that leg, I doubt he will make it. Even now, after three days, his leg is looking worse. I know that you don't do medical problems, but my mother has made it clear that she will not take him to the vet, so I was wondering if you had any suggestions, and also tips about food, sleeping, and caring for the mouse would be great. Thank you so much!
Ellery

ANSWER: Dear Ellery,

It's amazing that he has survived three days. The infection from the bite would usually have killed him by now. He also may still get blood poisoning from secondary infection from the wound.

You should get him on antibiotics asap. You can get tetracycline formulated for fish at a pet store or aquarium shop. Pour the powder out from one capsule and mix it well in 8 oz (1 cup) water. Keep the light out of it and use that for his water for two weeks, assuming he makes it.

On the bright side, if he survives and becomes a pet he will be fine with three legs. Of course this little tyke will never survive on his own again.

squeaks,

Natasha


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

QUESTION: Dear Natasha,
Unfortunately, about half an hour after I asked you my question, our little "Cheese" died. I assume it was infection fron his leg, he had gotten slower and slower over the three days, and his leg was looking worse. We had gotten very close to Cheese and we held a little memorial in our backyard. My little sister cried all night. She made me promise that whenever we found another hurt little guy, we would try our best to save him. Guess what? We found two in 24 hours. My mother says we are turning into an animal hospital. Terrible cat. The first animal was a baby vole, but he was hurt so badly that he died within an hour. The second was another mouse. He is not badly hurt, just a small scratch on his side, which we cleaned, and has already scabbed up. We treated him same as Cheese, but we expect to be able to let him go in a few nights, assuming he gets well. Any more suggestions?
Thank you so much, I;m sure Cheese is thanking you from his tiny grave in our backyard.
Love, Ellery  <:3D~

Answer
Hi,

So sorry about Cheese. To tell the truth I sometimes get these questions where I know it is probably a lost cause, and I almost want to write "I'm sorry that your mouse is dead." I do my best to give thorough answers, often doing research, knowing that the probability is that the person will never read the answer. But I am very happy that you have found a less wounded mouse.

The main thing, if you are going to let him go, is not to handle him. If he is a sweet boy and likes to be handled, you can just keep him.

In any case, I think you need a pet mouse. This is the second part of my advice. If you want just one, get a male; otherwise get 2-3 females.

squeaks,

Natasha