I think my mouse is dying...

Question
I have a pretty old mouse (over 2.5 years) and he's definitely sick - breathing hard, not eating, not drinking. When I cleaned his cage, I noticed a lot more urine where their normally wasn't.  I've been trying to tempt him with favorite treats, but it just isn't working.

I'm trying to get him to a vet today (Sunday, of course), to see if there's any use doing some antibiotics or something, but I'm wondering what his chances are and if I should just have him euthanized?

He's getting awfully skinny in just a few days and he's not moving much...can't tell if he's even going to the water.  No chittering though...can't feel any lumps, but I just can't imagine he's happy right now.

Should I just chalk it up to old age and end of life, or is it likely I can do something?

Answer
Dear Amber,

2 1/2 years is a very good long life for a mouse.  When mice go into 'old age' they do it very quickly.  Almost overnight they get that hunched back, losing weight, and often breathing heavily.  Your mouse sounds to me like he has just gotten old.  Medication won't help.

The question of euthanization is a tough one, for two reasons.  

The simpler reason is, it's dreadfully expensive.  To me this is a rip-off, because they barely need any of the expensive poison that they use.  You might find a vet in his/her own practice who would be more reasonable.  Also they can charge an arm and a leg to dispose of the body; better to do this yourself in that case.

The more difficult reason is, it's hard to decide when a mouse's quality of life has gotten to the point where it's not worth it for him anymore.  Some people see this as 'playing God.'  I try hard to gauge if the mouse seems unhappy or just old and slow.  If he can barely move, he's unhappy.  But very old-looking mice sometimes last a week but sometimes last many months in that condition.  For me, it's a tough decision.

You just have to go with your gut.  But do celebrate the very long, happy life he has shared with you.

squeaks,

Natasha