My son has 2 pet mice. One of them has developed a large growth/tumor on its neck. I'm not sure if I should let nature take it's course or have it put to sleep. It doesn't seem to be in pain, it still runs in the wheel, eats and drinks normally. It would be nice to hear from someone with more mouse experience than I have.
2007-05-26 11:39:10 · 10 answers · asked by neffer 4 in Pets ➔ Rodents
There are vets that would offer to surgically remove the tumor.
If you decide to not have it taken off, check it periodically. Look for signs of trauma to it (scrapes, bites, scratches) that can get infected easily. Watch to make sure the mouse can do all of its normal functions. Make sure it can get around with it and it isn't in the way of eating and drinking.
The mouse will probably be okay until the tumor interfers with its quality of life (not being able to eat, drink, breathe, play, etc.)
When the time comes that it is interfereing with quality of life, it would be best to euthanize it. Since the tumor is on its neck there is the potential of suffocation if it gets too big. If it comes down to it, ending the mouse's life humanely is always the way to go. Don't let it suffer.
2007-05-26 11:57:04 · answer #1 · answered by redd_rvt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tumors are common, but may not be painful. As long as the mouse is happy and eating he's OK. If you notice him looking miserable and he won't eat, it's time to put him down so he doesn't suffer. The vet I work for only charges a little bit for this. You might want to call around and be ready when the time comes.
2007-05-26 18:49:14 · answer #2 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
unless it's a serious injury mice don't usually show you that they are in pain. take it to the vet and have it checked out it could be a tumor or just a cyst. if it's solid it's most likely a tumor. if it's soft it's most likey a cyst. both can possibly be removed. if not it would be best to euthanize the mouse. it may not be in pain but that growth will suck nutrients out of the mouses body and it will start losing wait.
2007-05-26 23:15:33 · answer #3 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont have mice, but rats i know tumors are very common. My first rat died from a uterine tumor, which is probably the most common thing that female rats die from, and my second died from a big tumor like the one you describe, except hers was on her butt.The first rat(with the uterine tumor), didnt seem unhappy at all, she just died one day, The second one, the experience was awful, she was in pain, would just lay on my arm, she looked terrible.....it was not pretty, now i know from going through that if my current rat was to go through it, i would definetly take her to be euthanised, i cant go through that again. So, my final answer to you would be, if your mouse is happy and still active and living pretty normal, let it run its course.
2007-05-26 22:28:59 · answer #4 · answered by ♥mama♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
mice and rats get tumors alot!! sometimes they are cancerous but alot of times they aren't! I work in a pet store and the mice that we keep there for breeders sometimes get them (there is one there now with a huge one on her back) and they live just fine... if they were in pain you would know... it definatly would not be running around and eating... it would be laying around and not eating... just let it be and love it just the same...
2007-05-26 18:45:48 · answer #5 · answered by kell kell 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Take the little guy to vet and have the vet decide. Also, if the mouse doesn't seem to be in any pain and his quality of life has lessened, then enjoy him for as long as possible. But I do recommend a vet.
2007-05-26 18:43:56 · answer #6 · answered by dnott.geo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no....rats and mice get tumors all the time, sometiems it might not be a tumor, but an extra deposit of fat(my brothers rat has that) they usually dont feel any pain, and if they do you could tell.
2007-05-26 18:44:01 · answer #7 · answered by enigmaxotica 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take it to the vet & ask him/her if they think it could be in pain.
If it is in pain then it's best to have it put down rather than it suffering. It could be devestating for your son though so approach the situation gently.
2007-05-27 08:42:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If its not in pain don't put it down. don't put it down until its in pain because that's a longer life it can live. If you put it down and its not in pain you basically did it for nothing because as i said it could have lived a longer life but this is my opinion. if you think it should be put to sleep do it if you don't then don't.
2007-05-26 21:25:47 · answer #9 · answered by tinytab75 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he's doing fine, let him live! He might still have alot of UMPH in him yet!
2007-05-26 22:16:07 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋