How often to dose mouse with Tetracycline?

Question
Hello Natasha, I've been reading through many of your posts regarding the use of Tetracycline with sick mice.  What I haven't noted is, how often should you dose a sick mouse, and for how long should you use the antibiotic in their water bottle?

I have four mice, one of whom has recently developed a lump on her back, near her neck.  My husband and I used your suggestion and tried to dose her with a Tetracycline paste last night, and dissolved some in their water bottle.  Should we continue this process?  We're novice mice owners and aren't sure how much of the Tetracycline actually made it into her system.  

Appreciate your feedback!

Answer
Dear Brianna,

I just dose the mouse by  hand once, and then I put the medication in the water bottle for a week. I just learned from a vet that Tetracycline is light-sensitive, so it should be more effective if you cover the bottle with tin foil.  

In the case of an abscess, which is what you are hoping your mouse has (instead of a tumor), I usually see the effect pretty soon after the initial dose.  An abscess usually develops quite quickly, so if this was a slow growth it's more likely to be a tumor.  

I wish your mouse the best of health.

squeaks,

Natasha