How can you tell that a mouse is dying? - briefly
Progressive weight loss, severe lethargy, labored breathing, unresponsiveness to stimuli, dehydration, abnormal body temperature, and visible organ failure signal that the mouse is near death.
How can you tell that a mouse is dying? - in detail
Recognizing a mouse that is approaching death requires observation of specific physiological and behavioral changes. Indicators can be grouped into three categories: physical condition, activity patterns, and medical signs.
Physical condition
- Noticeable weight loss, often exceeding 10 % of normal body mass.
- Dull, unkempt fur and loss of grooming behavior.
- Skin that appears pale, cyanotic, or shows bruising around the abdomen.
- Distended abdomen suggesting fluid accumulation or organ failure.
Activity patterns
- Marked reduction in locomotion; the animal spends most of the time immobile.
- Absence of exploratory behavior and reluctance to feed or drink.
- Decreased responsiveness to stimuli; startle reflexes become weak or absent.
- Irregular or shallow breathing, sometimes accompanied by audible wheezing.
Medical signs
- Elevated heart rate initially, followed by bradycardia as failure progresses.
- Temperature drop below normal range (≈ 36.5 °C), detectable with a rectal thermometer.
- Presence of seizures or tremors, indicating neurological decline.
- Abnormal stool or urine output, such as diarrhea, constipation, or anuria.
When multiple signs appear concurrently, the likelihood of imminent mortality increases. Prompt consultation with a veterinarian is advisable to confirm diagnosis and discuss humane end‑of‑life options.