mouse with large lump

Question
My mouse developed a large lump or growth under the skin on her neck.  Any ideas what that might be or how to treat it.

Answer
Dear Brittin,

I'm very sorry to hear this : ((.

Your mouse needs attention.  If you bring her to the vet, the vet can tell if it is a tumor or an abscess (an infection under the skin).  

If she has an abscess, the vet may be able to drain it on the spot and will then probably give you antibiotics for the mouse.  It shouldn't affect her lifespan, and she will soon be healthy.

If she has a tumor, it is possible to operate on a mouse with a small tumor, but they often don't survive; and when they do, they often get more tumors fairly quickly.  Still, it can add a couple of months to a dearly beloved mouse's life.  Vet costs, however, are just as high for mice as for other animals, so this can be quite expensive.

If vet care is cost-prohibitive, and I know that mice are often low-budget pets, then the best thing to do is treat for an abscess and hope that takes care of the problem.  You can give the mouse an over-the-counter antibiotic.  I use  one called Tetracycline, which is sold for fish.  Here is a post explaining how to dose the mouse:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2008/9/Administering-antibiotic-Tetracyclin...

If this does not help within a few days, the mouse most likely has a tumor.  Without treatment a tumor will mostly be an impediment to the mouse.  It won't hurt her but it will get in the way.  When it seems that she can no longer eat or move properly, or when she seems very unhappy, you have the question of whether to put her to sleep.  This can also be very expensive; however, a  local vet (not an animal hospital) might be (in my eyes) 'honest' enough to charge for the fact that a mouse only needs 1/2 ml of poison whereas a cat or dog needs much, much more, and thus it doesn't cost THEM much of anything to put her down... so some small places might charge less than the usual standard all-animal fee.

If you can't afford to have her put down when she is suffering, then there are really few solutions.  You will need to keep her as comfortable as possible.  Make sure her food and water are easily accessible.  If she is a friendly mouse and likes to be picked up, give her lots of love.

Please remember that a vet knows best.  I do hope it is only an abscess.  

I wish your little mouse the very best of luck and health.

squeaks,

Natasha