We just noticed that our pet mouse has developed a large lump near it's hind quarters (not the belly though). We have never owned a mouse before, and not sure what we should do. Do we take it to a regular vet? We had cedar shavings in the cage, and an edible hut -- could she have an allergic reaction to one of those things? A food allergy, perhaps, or any way to determine if it is a tumor? We removed the shavings and hut and put in cotton bedding and cardboard tubes. She has been living alone for some time (a month?), and it is the wrong area for pregnancy. We had another mouse (female) that we bought at the same time. They were babies when we bought them. The other mouse died about 8 months after we got them, which I hear is a bit premature. Not sure which direction to turn here -- any advice?
Thanks in advance.
2007-02-04 16:24:21 · 7 answers · asked by Jester 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Hi. I agree with DC. You first need to get it the proper bedding. Cedar causes severe respiratory issues when it is mixed with urine. This is probably not the cause of the lump, though. The lump is most definately cancer. I have raised mice and rats for years now and have lost some to this disease. I had a hairless rat, which are very susceptible to cancer. He lost weight, stopped eating, drinking, etc. We took him to our vet and he had to be put down. Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done for them. Just try to give them the best possible life before they pass on to heaven. I highly doubt it is the edible hut. In fact, those are very good for the mice. You sound as though you are an attentive owner. You can take her to the vet, although, they will most definately tell you to have her put down. And if she is suffering....seems in pain, not sleeping well, not eating/drinking....this may be best. I can tell you it is heartbreaking to have one put down. I still mourn my rat, named boy bino. : ( If the mouse is not appearing to be in pain and eating/drinking normally...just let her be. Be kind to her and keep her in a clean, dry enviroment. Don't handle her much, as this can cause a great deal of pain. Most vets will see these creatures, if the doctor is worth anything. I would use your judgement. As long as she is not in pain....I would treat her well and pray for her to not suffer. Good luck and god bless.
2007-02-04 17:07:06 · answer #1 · answered by demongelding1@hotmail.com 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My pet mouse has one lump near to his back right leg, it wasn't there when I handled him on the Thursday night, but on the Friday it was!!!! - I checked up on it online, and when mice get a lump it is either: 1 - a hernia 2 - an absess 3 - a tumour I took him to the vets on the Saturday morning, and my worst fears were confirmed when I was told it was a tumour, fortunately it's superficial, and there's only the one (for the moment atleast!) The vet told me that he would have between 2 weeks to 2 months left, during which time, the following things may happen to indicate he has got very poorly: stops eating / drinking lethargic tumour becomes ulcerated (notice blood on him / in cage) tumour grows so big it gets in the way of his day to day life When one of the above happens, the kindest thing I can do is to take him to be put to sleep, which I am very sad about because he's so lovely, however I do not want him to be in any pain or suffering either, so I have accepted what I must do! In terms of treating it, if it is cancer, they can operate however it's very risky on a small animal, quite expensive (about £100) and even if the mouse makes it through the operation, chances are another tumour will develop elsewhere pretty soon after. My mouse is almost 2.5 years (though I've had him for less than 1 year) which is pretty old, so I feel happy that he has had a good life with me (didn't have so good of a one before, he was mistreated and abandoned). I will miss him very much, I wish he could live forever (well, for my lifetime anyway) but unfortunately that's not possible. However he will always be in my heart!!! I'm not a vet myself so I can't diagnose for you, but my feeling is that it's tumours (sadly mice are prone to these) and my advice to you would be to spend lots of quality time with your mouse during it's last few weeks / months, take some pictures or record a video. If you want to talk further, or need some support, please feel free to email me via my profile - I'm pretty much in the same boat as you right now!!!! I am sorry I can't give you good news.
2016-03-29 05:30:26 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First...take the cedar shavings out!!! Cedar oil is toxic to rodents. Care Fresh brand is cedar and pine oil free and the safest. It's a little more expensive but at least ur not poisoning ur little loved one. You can buy it at any pet store. I would be weary of the cotton because of their tendency to eat the cotton. Also, rodents are prone to tumors and abscesses. You should take it to the vet. Call around to the different vets and ask if they have experience with mice and other rodents. They will be honest. I know that some think it is just a mouse and who cares? but it is your pet and you are responsible for taking care of it as you would any other pet (it sounds like you will though because you are noticing lumps and worried). Definitely go to a vet. It's most likely an abscess or cyst and just needs to be drained and possibly some antibiotics. She wouldn't be pregnant because gestation is only about 21 days and she would've already had a litter so ur correct about that. Good Luck and I hope ur little joy stays healthy.
2007-02-04 16:36:21 · answer #3 · answered by D H 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like a tumor.
To me, a vet seems kind of expensive for a mouse, but there are vets that treat this kind of animal; not all vets do.
Even if you don't get treatment, the mouse can live happily for quite a while with a tumor. It isn't painful, and mice are not concerned about their looks.
2007-02-04 16:55:26 · answer #4 · answered by The First Dragon 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
almost all mice die of tumors. Probably from over breeding. You could take it to a vet but I don't think there is anything that can be done for it. I used to have 12 mice. I loved all of them but it was too heart-breaking to watch them die. My brother is totally into rats and the same thing keeps happening to them. Sorry I couldn't offer any good news. Take her to the vet. Maybe they can help.
2007-02-04 16:34:01 · answer #5 · answered by cali 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably a tumor :-\ Pet store mice and rats are plagued with them ...good luck
2007-02-04 16:28:16 · answer #6 · answered by I â?¥ my doberman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
possibility that it has an abcess, very uncomfortable for them but should go away quickly with a visit to the vet
2007-02-04 17:01:08 · answer #7 · answered by bagpipe12678 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋