mouse injured by cat--antibiotic Tetracycline

Question
my sisters mouse was attacked by a cat while we were on vacation shes still alive but her foot has a cut on it it's swollen and she doesnt like to put pressure on it but she walks and runs a little bit and i was wondering if there was anything we can do for the mouse

Answer
Dear Kristen,

You must take the mouse immediately to the vet as an emergency.  She must have antibiotics immediately because she is likely to die of infection from the bacteria in the cat's saliva.  The vet can diagnose other problems as well.  The mouse may well have internal injuries as well as the possible broken leg.  The vet should be a specialist in either exotic animals or small pets. Any animal hospital will have someone qualified, hopefully on duty.  There is no home remedy for a broken leg, and if the vet can do anything for it it must be immediately.  

If you absolutely, absolutely can't get her to a vet right away, you must treat her for infection yourself.  Go to a pet store- as fast as you can- and pick up a bottle of Tetracycline from the FISH section.

You are going to put some in her water bottle and try to get an initial dose inside her.  

If you have the capsules, empty one capsule into a large water bottle or one half into a small one.  Shake extremely well.  If you have the powder,  1/4 flat teaspoon measure is the same as 1 capsule.  If you have the tablets, completely crush them into fine powder with the back of a spoon and use as powder.   This should be her only water source.  It's fine for any other mice to drink the water too.

Next, take another capsule worth and mix it with one drop of water.  This will make a paste about the consistency of mustard.    You have plenty to play with, so if the mixture is too watery, try again.  Now pick up the mouse by the scruff of the neck.  This is the skin just behind her head.  This does not hurt her-- it's how her mama used to carry her-- but she will struggle valiantly.   Holding her gently but firmly,  quickly place a small amount into her now open mouth.  This is hard.  Be careful of her nose!  Wipe a bit more onto her whiskers and chin.  She will ingest that when she washes herself.  If you couldn't get any inside her at all, wipe some more on her head.  Put her back into her cage so she will wash herself.  Keep any other mouse from washing her, if necessary removing the other mice for an hour.  

Again, if you can get her to a vet at all, please do.  If not, you can hope that the infection is the only thing ailing her.  I have saved mice from the cat's mouth with this method.  Still, don't blame yourself if she doesn't make it.

I wish her the very best of luck.

squeaks,

Natasha