How long can mice live without water? - briefly
Under typical laboratory conditions, a mouse can survive approximately 2 to 4 days without access to water, with survival time decreasing as ambient temperature rises. Dehydration beyond this period leads to rapid physiological decline and death.
How long can mice live without water? - in detail
Mice subjected to complete water deprivation exhibit a rapid decline in physiological stability. Under standard laboratory conditions—room temperature ≈ 22 °C, relative humidity ≈ 50 %—survival typically does not exceed 48 hours. In cooler environments (≈ 15 °C) the duration may extend to 72 hours, while extreme dehydration can allow up to five days, though severe morbidity accompanies such cases.
Key factors that modify the survival window include:
- Age – neonatal and aged individuals tolerate water loss less effectively than young adults.
- Strain – genetic background influences renal concentrating ability and metabolic rate.
- Ambient temperature – higher temperatures accelerate evaporative loss and shorten survival.
- Body condition – animals with excess adipose tissue retain water longer than lean counterparts.
Physiological responses progress in a predictable sequence. Initial water deficit triggers a rise in plasma osmolarity and a reduction in urine output as antidiuretic hormone secretion increases. Within 12–24 hours, body mass declines by 5–10 % due to fluid loss, and blood pressure falls. By 48 hours, electrolyte imbalances become pronounced, leading to cellular dysfunction and eventual organ failure if hydration is not restored.
Experimental protocols must adhere to ethical standards that define humane endpoints. Monitoring procedures include daily weight measurement, assessment of skin turgor, and observation of behavioral signs such as lethargy and reduced grooming. Intervention is required when weight loss exceeds 15 % of baseline or when clinical signs of distress appear.
Understanding the temporal limits of water deprivation informs study design, ensuring that data collection occurs before irreversible damage ensues and that animal welfare is maintained throughout the investigation.