Small Cut on mouse tail

Question
Hey, I noticed yesterday that my mouse (Belle) had a small cut on her tail about 1cm from the tip or so. She does not seem to be pained by it at all but I am worried about infection. I cleaned her cage yesterday and do so on a regular basis. Is there anything that I can use to prevent an infection getting into the small cut? Also, I am not quite sure what caused the cut. There is no other mouse in the cage so maybe it was one of her toys or the cage itself? Please get back to me as soon as you can. Thanks for your help.
--Sheri

Answer
Hi Sheri,

You can disinfect it easily a couple of times a day with betadine (available in your pharmacy or general store) diluted to the color of tea.  Just dip a cotton swab or cotton ball in the solution and wipe her tail down with it, then dry it off and remove any excess betadine.  Betadine is just an iodine solution, so it's not toxic and if you miss a little she'll just clean it off herself.  You can also dab a bit of neosporin or other antibiotic ointment on the cut, just enough to thinly coat the area.  I don't know what caused it, but you could check her toys and the inside of her cage like you suggested for anything it could have gotten briefly stuck in or snagged on.  Little accidents happen, but she sounds like she'll be okay.  :)

-Tam