mouse has something attached to ear

Question
I rescued a baby mouse two days ago; I found it in my friend's pool, clinging to the corner of the top step in shallow water, trying not to get washed away. It is about an 1.25 inches long, minus it's tail, can jump, and seems to be eating the mouse food I purchased for it. In all, it seems to be doing okay, but I just found a little lump attached to it's ear. It is grey in color, oval shaped, about 1 millimeter long, 1/2 millimeter wide-- about the size of a short rice grain. At first I thought it was just a piece of dirt, but when I attempted to brush it out, I found that it was thinly attached to it's inner ear (like a bead on a piece of thread-- only attached at the tip). What is it? Is it safe to remove by myself??

Thanks!

Answer
Dear Christine,

Sometimes mice develop what some people call "tags"-- people develop them too, often under the arm.  Usually it is harmless, like a wart.  It is usually safe to remove them carefully if they are attached loosely. If it is any kind of tumor it may come back.

Make sure you remove it in a sterile way. if you simply use your fingernails make sure they are super clean. If you use nail clippers, heat them over a flame first, or wash them in alcohol.  Blot any blood until the bleeding stops with a clean paper towel and put the mouse back in a very clean cage.

I hope the mouse is OK (from its trauma and effects of being in the pool; I'm not worried about the tag). It will probably turn into a great pet. Wild mice live longer than pet store mice and they can become very sweet with a little love.

Have fun with it!

squeaks,

Natasha