Mouse breathing problems, steam bath, in UK

Question
QUESTION: Hi Natasha,i got a male ginger mice and is two days he got breathe problem also he make noise,what i can i do? my Vet is far away from where i live. U can help me, please? thank u.
   


         Your Sincerely.
         Rosalba D'agostino

ANSWER: Dear Rosalba,

Your mouse is sick. If he can possibly go to the vet he should.

If he is actually having trouble breathing, like if his mouth is open, he is VERY VERY sick. In that case he needs a steam bath right away. Fill the shower with steam by running the shower on hot. Bring the mouse in and hold him with you in the steam for at least 5 minutes. You can do this every few hours until he stops opening his mouth. Bring him to the vet asap.


When a mouse is sick here in the US, and can't go to the vet, I suggest an antibiotic called Tetracycline, which is sold for FISH and usually called Fish Cycline. However, I'm not sure you can get it there. Please call your pet/aquarium shops to find out. This post, also for someone in the UK, explains how to use the Tetracycline if you can find it, and gives as much info as I can about antibiotics in the UK:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2011/5/Respiratory-Infection-mice-2.htm

Best of luck and health to your little mouse. I hope he is OK.

squeaks,

Natasha
<:3  )--~





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

QUESTION: i don t know if u have receive my e-mail, when i told u about my mouse.!  U told me to take my mouse  in the bath steam, but i know the mice die for ammonia!? everybody know mouse can t be wet or stay in the damp place because can die. ??? u can answer me please!? thank u.

Answer
Dear Rosalba,

I'm not sure what email you mean. The best way to contact me is here.

The steam bath is only for if he is actually gasping with his mouth open. In that case I take him into the already hot and steamy shower, and hold him-- he'll hate it-- for five minutes. Not in the water; in the steam. Then make absolutely sure he does not get cold. Hold him in a warm towel until he has reached his normal temperature. That way he won't get sicker.

Can you get to the vet at all? He needs it.

squeaks,

Natasha
<:3  )-~