Vet for mouse?

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I have 2 female mice named Crackle and Peanut, who both escaped their cage early 2 mornings ago when I was not home. My dad was the one who noticed they were out and was able to catch Peanut and able to put her back in the cage (probably not too gentle about it) and thankfully after a worried day Crackle showed up at the door of the cage that night. However, now I am not sure if I should be worried or not. Crackle seems to be acting normally, maybe just a little more timid but not much, but Peanut, who previously was full of energy and ready to bound out of the cage anytime you opened the door is now super super timid, barely coming out to eat even. I am very worried, I don't want anything bad to happen to her. Do you think her extreme new timidness will wear off and she was just traumatized by being captured and thrown back in the cage, or do you think my dad might have squeezed her too much to hold onto her (he wouldn't hurt them on purpose of course but I know he just wanted to capture her and get her back in her cage asap)? I just want to know if my worries have basis or if she just needs a few days to readjust.

Thank you so much

ANSWER: Dear Amelia,

Mice do have fragile psyches and an event such as an escape and time outside the cage can traumatize and actually change their personality, sometimes forever. But this isn't necessarily the case here.

Either possibility that you mention is possible: the trauma may be temporary; or she might have gotten physically hurt. Take her out and hold her. Dies anything look different? Feel her all over. Does anything feel different? Does she squeak or jump when you touch a specific place? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, take her to the vet right away.

She also could have an internal injury. There is no way for you to actually tell this until something goes wrong.

The very best thing is to get her to a vet right away. The less careful course of action is to watch her very, very carefully and if her behavior gets worse, take her to the vet right away at that point. The reaction to trauma should not worsen. Hopefully it will get better

I hope she is OK. Do keep me posted. I learn from my questioners' experience. Best of luck and health to her.

squeaks,

Natasha



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

QUESTION: Natasha,

Thank you so so much for your speedy response. I tried to pick her up, but she was not going to have it at all for the time being. I do have to say she did run away from me pretty quickly however, so would you take that as a good sign at least that she can move quickly still? and it didn't seem like she was in pain while doing so, and she did only run away after coming up to sniff my hand for a quick second. Also she seems to be eating and drinking the same amount as before, so I don't know if this could also be good as well. The only physical thing I noticed is that every once and a while she squeaks or makes a squeaking noise occasionally when she is sniffing or breathing I can't tell which it is, so I'm not sure if this indicates some sort of respiratory problem, but she wasn't doing this before.

Please let me know what you think of these observations.
Thank you so much!

ANSWER: Dear Amelia,

Watch the squeaking thing very carefully. That doesn't sound good. But the fact that she moves around fast is indeed a good thing.

Keep the vet as an option as soon as anything seems wrong.

squeaks,

Natasha

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

QUESTION: I will keep an eye on it. Overall after observingbher for a while she seems more terrified of me and people in general now than physically hurt anytime she sees me she runs back to her hiding spot. If I do end up having to take her to the vet can I take her to any vet? Are all bets knowledgeable in small animals? I'm not sure if this is a silly question but I have only ever taken my cat in.
I really greatly appreciate all of your input and advice!
Thank you:)

Answer
Dear Amelia,

Good thing you asked. No, not just any vet will do. Mice are very different from dogs and cats. Especially don't trust a vet who thinks that is not true! You need to find a vet who specializes in either "pocket pets" or "exotics." Call around and if you get more than one prospect, ask how many mice they have seen in the last month.

I hope she is OK. She might well get over the shock. Until then, treat her like a new, timid mouse: try to gain her trust. When you hold her, if she lets you, hold her close to your face and talk to her. I feel that face time and kisses are very important in mouse-human love.

Best of luck.

Squeaks,

Natasha