Mouse injured tail

Question
My son's mouse Wilson got his tail caught in his cage and the skin has ripped off. It has stopped bleeding and I don't think any bone has been exposed. He's eating, drinking and is moving around the cage and coming over to see us when we come in the room. I cleaned his cage put down fresh clean bedding and paper towel for him to lay in. Should we try and clean his tail or put anything on it for him or will it heal on it's own?

Answer
Hi,

Poor little Wilson!! If it looks dirty, wipe it with some saline or just warm water on a kleenex or Q-tip. Then apply a little bit of neosporin.

Watch very carefully for redness or swelling, or unusual activity such as lethargy. These would indicate infection, which must be treated immediately.

Probably it will be OK. If he ends up losing some of the tail, don't worry about it. He won't even notice. If he loses a lot of tail, watch to see his balance. if he has any trouble, put him in a flat cage where he can't fall off of anything.

Best of luck to little Wilson!

Squeaks,

Natasha