Mouse antibiotic ointment

Question
Hello.  I'm afraid our little mouse escaped and that our cat found and attacked. The mouse appears to be paralyzed, but nevertheless active. He also seems to have a puncture wound. We have put tetracycline in his water bottle as well as tried to make a paste of tetracycline and tried to feed him a little of it. I plan on feeding him the paste twice a day for the next several days. He seems responsive and alert. My question is in regard to antibiotic ointment.  Should I apply some to the puncture wound?  We have Neosporin and the generic equivalent. Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hi Mary,

I am so sorry to hear your mouse has been injured!  With regards to the puncture wound, either neosporin or the generic antibiotic cream would work just fine, just don't apply too much or most of it will wind up in his tummy.  It should definitely help, though.

It's also a good idea to keep it disinfected as well.  One to two times a day dilute a few drops of betadine (available in the pharmacy section of most general stores) with water to about the color of tea, apply it to a cotton ball or swab, and gently clean the wound.  Then clean it off with a different swab, and apply your neosporin like usual.  That will help hold off any infections that might get in the wound.

I hope he starts feeling better!
-Tam