How long can a mouse survive without water? - briefly
A mouse can usually survive only 24–48 hours without water before dehydration becomes lethal. After this window, organ failure and death follow quickly.
How long can a mouse survive without water? - in detail
Mice possess a high metabolic rate and limited water reserves, which constrain their ability to tolerate dehydration. Under standard laboratory conditions (ambient temperature 20‑22 °C, access to food but not water), adult laboratory mice typically survive between 24 and 48 hours before critical physiological failure occurs. Mortality rises sharply after the 36‑hour mark as plasma volume declines and electrolyte imbalance intensifies.
Key factors influencing the survival window include:
- Ambient temperature: At 30 °C, the dehydration threshold shortens to roughly 12‑18 hours; at 10 °C, the window can extend to 48‑72 hours because reduced evaporative loss conserves fluid.
- Age and body condition: Juvenile mice, with lower body mass, succumb within 12‑24 hours, whereas well‑conditioned adults tolerate longer periods.
- Dietary moisture content: Food containing ≥10 % water (e.g., moist chow) can prolong survival by 6‑12 hours compared with dry pellets.
- Strain differences: Inbred strains such as C57BL/6 show slightly greater tolerance (up to 48 hours) than outbred CD‑1 mice, which may exhibit earlier onset of dehydration symptoms.
Physiological signs of progressing water deprivation follow a predictable sequence:
- Decreased urine output and concentrated urine.
- Elevated plasma osmolality and sodium levels.
- Reduced skin turgor and dry mucous membranes.
- Decline in body temperature and lethargy.
- Loss of righting reflex and eventual coma.
Experimental studies using controlled water restriction report median lethal dehydration times of 30‑36 hours for adult mice at room temperature. Survival beyond 48 hours is rare and typically associated with supplemental moisture from food or humid environments.
In summary, a mouse can endure roughly one to two days without direct water intake, with the exact duration modulated by temperature, age, diet, and genetic background.