After effects of Tetracycline

Question
Hi,
We have a fancy mouse that had redness and crusting around both eyes.  We just administered the tetracycline and the eyes looked better in a day, no more redness and they are open and clear again, however in 48 hours we have noticed that she seems to have her hind leg paralyzed.  She is trying to walk but falls over on that side.  I did not put the tetracycline in the water bottle, could she need more?
We are very afraid that she is dying.  What can we do? Is this a side affect of the treatment?  Any advise would be appreciated.

Regards,
Sharon

Answer
Dear Sharon,

I'm sorry about the little mouse.    Much as I like to help people with  home remedies if a vet visit isn't easy, sadly, I can't substitute for a vet's knowledge and medical capabilities.  Let me tell you what I can.

The three possibilities we are looking at are the following:

1.  The eye infection and paralysis are both from the same infection. I doubt this, but mice are delicate and infections do affect the central nervous system-- so maybe maybe the same infection that affected an eye could affect her movement.  Still, this is the least likely possibility.  I would definitely not administer more Tetracycline, because it seems more likely that:

2.  The paralysis is a side effect of the Tetracycline.  I honestly don't know anything about side effects of the Tetracycline, other than that there very rarely are any.  Still, so many drugs have side effects of all kinds, that may occur rarely, but still be severe. Or

3.  The infection and the paralysis are unrelated.  This isn't unlikely.


It's time for a real vet visit. I wish I could help more.

best of luck.
squeaks,

Natasha