How can I tell if a mouse is sick? - briefly
Look for lethargy, loss of appetite, ruffled fur, weight loss, abnormal breathing, eye or nose discharge, tremors, or unusual aggression. These indicators suggest infection, injury, or metabolic disorder and warrant veterinary evaluation.
How can I tell if a mouse is sick? - in detail
Recognizing disease in a mouse relies on systematic observation of behavior, appearance, and physiological function.
Key external indicators include:
- Reduced activity or reluctance to move, often accompanied by hunching.
- Abnormal grooming, such as excessive licking of a specific area or neglect of fur.
- Discharge from eyes, nose, or ears, appearing as watery, cloudy, or pus‑like fluid.
- Swelling or lumps under the skin, noticeable as firm or soft masses.
- Changes in stool consistency, ranging from watery diarrhea to hard, dry pellets.
Internal signs may manifest as:
- Rapid, shallow breathing or audible wheezing.
- Elevated heart rate detectable by a faint pulse at the femoral artery.
- Weight loss measured by regular weighing; a decline of more than 10 % signals concern.
- Fever, identified with a rectal thermometer reading above 39.5 °C.
Effective diagnostic steps:
- Isolate the affected animal to prevent transmission.
- Record temperature, weight, and respiratory rate at consistent intervals.
- Collect samples of feces, urine, and any discharge for laboratory analysis.
- Perform a gentle abdominal palpation to assess organ enlargement or pain response.
Veterinary intervention becomes necessary when:
- Temperature exceeds normal limits for more than 24 hours.
- Bleeding, severe respiratory distress, or inability to eat persists.
- Rapid weight loss continues despite supportive care.
Prompt identification and documentation of these signs improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of outbreak within a colony.