My white mouse died.

Question
QUESTION: Hello!

Yesterday morning, my mouse died after about one hour of convulsions and apparently involuntary powerful movements of it's forelegs, while his back legs seemed paralyzed. It had this kind of crisis one more time, three month ago. In rest, apparently no problems at all in the last days. I tried to find an explanation but without success. It was 1 year and 4 month, and, from the beginnings seemed to have difficulties in using back legs (never jumped, difficult climbing, etc.). It was white with red eyes, saved from being food for snakes. Also, a very good friend for my wild house mouse (20 months old). Any idea?

Thanks

ANSWER: Hello Claudiu,
I am so sorry with your mouse passing away. It sounds like there could be a few reasons. It seems that it could have been a stroke or it could be some type of brain damage. It really does sound like he has some sort of nerve damage in his brain and he probably had a stroke and passed away. This is the only thing I could think of. I don't think there would have been much that anyone could do for him.

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QUESTION: Thank you.
Any suspect signs that could indicates rabies? I know that there are not known cases in mice except in laboratory, but she bite me and I would like to be sure. Both mice never met another animal.

Should I try to find and introduce another cage mate to my wild mouse female or she is too old for this? Seems to be still very active and full of life. It looks like she is searching for her died mate by sniffing all around the cage...

Sorry for so much questions, but these two little creatures were very important for me. I love them. And thank you again!

Answer
The mouse would more than likely die in a few days due to rabies and I don't think it was rabies. Rabies are amoung skunks, raccoons, bats and coyotes. Generally, when it comes to getting another friend for mice I always get a little scared that they would fight or pass on a disease to the other one.