What happens if a live mouse is swallowed? - briefly
A live mouse will typically die in the gastrointestinal tract, risking obstruction, tissue damage, or infection, so urgent medical assessment is necessary.
What happens if a live mouse is swallowed? - in detail
Swallowing a living rodent introduces a foreign body that can obstruct the upper airway or esophagus within seconds. Reflexive coughing, gagging, or inability to breathe are common initial signs; severe blockage may lead to hypoxia if not relieved promptly.
If the animal passes the pharynx, gastric acidity and mechanical churning usually kill it within minutes. Nevertheless, a live mouse may bite the mucosa of the esophagus or stomach, producing lacerations that can bleed or become infected. The presence of hair, fur, and bone fragments further irritates the lining and may provoke ulceration.
Potential complications include:
- Mechanical perforation of the esophageal wall or gastric wall
- Hemorrhage from torn vessels
- Aspiration of vomitus or mouse tissue into the lungs, causing pneumonia
- Bacterial translocation from oral flora, leading to localized infection or systemic sepsis
- Formation of an obstructive bezoar if undigested material aggregates
Emergency evaluation typically involves airway assessment, chest and abdominal radiography, and possibly computed tomography to locate the foreign object. Endoscopic retrieval is the first-line intervention when the mouse or its remnants are accessible; surgical exploration becomes necessary for perforation, uncontrolled bleeding, or failure of endoscopic removal.
Prognosis depends on the speed of medical intervention and the extent of tissue injury. Prompt airway management and removal of the foreign body generally result in full recovery, whereas delayed treatment increases the risk of life‑threatening complications.