mouse acting dizzy

Question
hi, i don't know how to explain it, but my fancy mouse a couple of days ago started walking with no balance whatsoever..she stumble and fall at times..she doesn't seem to keep head straight.it's like her neck is somewhat twisted (very slighlty, that's my impression)..she doesn't act like she's hurt or sick..she's still goes in the wheel, eat and sleep regularly..she's in the cage with another mouse, and they both enjoy each other company..i just don't understand what could have happened..

Answer
Dear Daniele,

I'm not a vet nor a doctor but I know of three possibilities:

1.  She has an ear infection and that makes her dizzy. Antibiotics may well help.

2. She has had a stroke. She may get better but there is nothing anyone can do (there are no rehab units for mice).

3. She has a pituitary tumor (a brain tumor). The vet can probably do nothing (unless they have an idea of how to reduce the tumor) and she will get worse, perhaps rapidly.


To be sure, you should bring her to the vet. They may be able to tell you exactly what is wrong and may even be able to help. If they think it is an ear infection they will prescribe antibiotics. Or it could be something I don't know about.

If you can't bring her to the vet, you can try an over-the-counter antibiotic which, though less effective than a vet can prescribe, and less targeted, often helps.


The home remedy I know is with the over-the-counter antibiotic  Tetracycline, which is available in the FISH section of your pet store or aquarium store.  It either comes in powder, tablet, or capsule form.  If it is a tablet, you will need to crush it into fine powder, which you can do with the back of one spoon against the front of another.  If it is a capsule you will empty the powder out of the capsule.  One capsule is the same as 1/4 flat teaspoon.

Take one capsule and mix it with a drop or two of water until you have a mustardy paste. Grab the mouse by the scruff (back) of the neck to open its mouth, and try to get a bit of the paste in the mouth. The mouse will struggle a lot and this may be impossible. In any case, smear some on the whiskers and sides, where it can easily wash it off and ingest it.

Put another capsule's worth in a large water bottle (10-12 oz), or half that in a small water bottle (4-6 oz), and that should be the only source of water. Shake it up well. Change it every other day. Cover the bottle with tin foil so no light can get in. Tetracycline reacts with light.

I'd recommend doing this for a week. That's about all I can do to help. I hope she gets better.

<:3  )-~
Natasha