administering antibiotic

Question
QUESTION: Have a mouse (about 1 yr old) that seems to have developed a sore right underneath her eye.  Thought it was just a scratch but seems to be getting worse rather that better.  Is there anything to be done for it?  Don't know if there are medicines that are safe for mice and/or safe to use that close to her eye.

ANSWER: Dear Nati,

The safest thing is to bring the mouse to the vet.  It could be several things.  It may be an infection, which would likely need to be treated with antibiotics.  It could be that mites or another skin problem have caused the mouse to scratch itself.  Or it could be both:  An infected scratch from a skin problem.  

If you can't get the mouse to the vet, write back and let me know if the mouse is scratching at all, if there are other problem areas, if the area is red or puffy, if the mouse behaves differently, or seems in pain, and anything else you notice.  I'm not a vet but I can aim you toward some home treatments if the problem isn't too serious.

Best of health to the mouse.

squeaks,

Natasha



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Our vet is allergic to mice and our budget is limited.  The mouse is the same one that I asked you about being thin.  Otherwise I am not really noticing anything else odd, although I do catch her napping out on her wheel now and then rather than her house.  The patch is just under the eye and is very red but not weepy or puffy.  Still active, eating, drinking etc.  Her companion is fine.

ANSWER: Dear Nati,

Your vet is allergic to mice!  How funny!  But I totally understand having pet mice on a tight budget.

The best thing to do is try treatment and see if it helps.  I would give the mouse antibiotics if she is not scratching.  There is an over the counter antibiotic you can get from the pet store.  It is Tetracycline, and it is found in the FISH section of a pet or aquarium shop.  I explain how to use it in the following post:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2009/4/mouse-injured-cat-antibiotic.htm

You can put a little Neosporin on the wound as well.

Best of luck to the little mouse.

squeaks,

Natasha







---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Your post was not specific about the amount of water or the length of time to give the antibiotic.  Do I need to remix every day or just leave the water bottle for a certain number of days.

Answer
Dear Nati,

I'll try to be more clear.  There are two common sizes of small rodent water bottle.  The smaller one is approximately 6 inches from tip to bottom and holds about 6 oz (3/4 of a cup).  The larger one holds 12 oz and measures about a foot. For the smaller one I use a half capsule, which is 1/8 flat teaspoon of the powder; if you have the tablets, crush them into powder.  For the 12 oz bottle I use the whole capsule, or 1/4 flat teaspoon of the powder.  

It's best to give them a fresh mixture every day.  Continue for a week. Sorry I forgot to mention that, and thanks for pointing it out!

squeaks,

Natasha