Sick Mouse.

Question
Dear Mari,

I was wondering if you could help me to determine what is wrong with my ill mouse and what i can do to help her.
Here is my situation:

I currently have 3 female mice, which i have owned for around 6 months. Their bedding is regularly changed, they have maintained a healthy diet and overall have a clean and worry-free environment. Lately one of the three has fallen ill. She has become very lethargic and rarely moves. I moved her to another environment away from the others temporarily. I have also begun feeding her food and water by hand. Also, her left eye is closed half-way with what appears to be an ooze like crust. One of my other mice had a respiratory infection of some sort a few months back, due to that experience i do not believe this one has a respiratory problem too. Her breathing is normal and she still continues to make those little mouse "chirps", if you will. If you can help me in any way I would greatly appreciate it.

Answer
Hi!

Apart from mycoplasma, one of the most common illnesses mice may get are inner parasites. The basic signs of such is the mouse's reluctance to move, swollen tummy and general 'ruffled up'-look. To treat a mouse for inner parasites you need to take immediate action, as mice have a much faster metabolism and thus when sick their health deteriorates very quickly to the point of death. You can find products for cats and dogs at your local pharmacist that you will need to thin down a little bit for the mouse. These treatments are generally very safe and cause no harm to the mouse even when used as mere precaution. You can also ask your pharmacist about the dose for mice, and if you're very lucky they may be able to help you! Common sense must be listened here though - if they start counting the dilution ratio based only on the weight of the mouse alone and ignoring the speed of mouse metabolism (you wouldn't believe how many pharmacists/vetenarians actually do this mistake!), you'd end up giving your mouse absolutely nothing but pure water.

Lethargy may point to many other illnesses as well, but without greater details the inner parasites are the first one to cross my mind. It's also very important to locate a good vet in your general area who knows a thing or two about rodents. Good vets in this area of expertise are unfortunately very hard to find!

Hope this helps, and if you have further questions or more details, don't hesitate to contact. Good luck to the little girl!