sick fancy mouse

Question
hi...i have had my fancy mouse Franklin for approximately 7 months. He is usually very active and curious, likes to run on his exercise wheel, and scurry up and down tubes in his cage. When i came home yesterday, i found him huddled in a ball with his eyes closed. His breathing was shallow, and he was shaking. He is not eating a lot and is not drinking water...he does not seem to be urinating or pooping any.  I removed him from his cage, thoroughly cleaned the cage, and changed the aspen bedding. I've been keeping him in a box with water, food, and towels that I put in the dryer and let him borough into to keep warm. Is it possible that he is dying of natural causes, or could he be sick? Thanks for your help!

Answer
You did the right thing to clean the cage and keeping him warm and dry can only help. Tempt him with his favorite foods as it is important that he eats and drinks. You could try fromage frais, moist fruit such as grapes and strawberries, crusty bread and non-spicy vegetables.

If you can't get him to drink use a dropper syringe (you can get them in most pet stores and vets).

It is unlikely he is dying from natural causes though not impossible. He may have a cold or chest infection if you have noticed any breathing problems. If in doubt take him to the vet.

He is probably depressed as mice are social creatures and need to be kept in groups. Unfortunately human company is no substitute for mouse company. He really needs a buddy, ideally a litter brother (probably a bit late now) or a mouse (or mice) approximately the same size and age. You could ask for a docile/retired mouse (not always on display).

Make sure the cage is big enough for them to each have their own territory and include lots of places to hide such as tubes and boxes.

I really hope he recovers soon, please feel free to ask any more questions.