[Scooter]

Several days ago, while cleaning out my shed, I found one baby mouse, eyes still closed, but some fur. No signs of mother or other littermates. After waiting hours, I returned to find it still there. I brought it in due to damp, cool weather, placed in a container over a heating pad (low setting) and proceeded to go out to get some kitten formula (which saw recommended after searching for help). The baby was able to eat small amount, using a quality artists paintbrush, but remained lethargic. Later, I was able to administer some pedialyte. Based on pictures seen on-line, appears to be about 9-11 days old. Been feeding every 3-4 hours over last 3 days and been able to help it relieve itself by gently message abdomen/genital area. Eyes remain closed. I just notice that it appears to have a deformed front leg or possibly clubbed foot. Compared to good leg, looks like a small knot at knee (??) joint, and claws of foot turned slightly outward, and toes not as developed as other side. Still able to ambulate, but sometimes falls to that side, getting back up quickly. My hope was to rehabilitate it and once weaned, slowly introduce it back into the wild (starting in the shed where I found it), but now am wondering if that is at all possible? Do you think the leg will heal itself, while most likely a limp? If not, I have read where it is not possible/practical to keep a wild mouse as a pet. Not sure what to do, but certainly want to give the little thing a chance at life, but not risk unnecessary suffering. My vet does not deal with exotics, mice and rescues not interested in mice....implication is just destroy it...I can't do that! Any recommendation/advice is greatly appreciated. Trying to get a good picture of it, emphasizing the bad leg and will post once I can get one....It is so tiny and squirms so much. Thank you.

 

[lfraser06]

Several days ago, while cleaning out my shed, I found one baby mouse, eyes still closed, but some fur. No signs of mother or other littermates. After waiting hours, I returned to find it still there. I brought it in due to damp, cool weather, placed in a container over a heating pad (low setting) and proceeded to go out to get some kitten formula (which saw recommended after searching for help). The baby was able to eat small amount, using a quality artists paintbrush, but remained lethargic. Later, I was able to administer some pedialyte. Based on pictures seen on-line, appears to be about 9-11 days old. Been feeding every 3-4 hours over last 3 days and been able to help it relieve itself by gently message abdomen/genital area. Eyes remain closed. I just notice that it appears to have a deformed front leg or possibly clubbed foot. Compared to good leg, looks like a small knot at knee (??) joint, and claws of foot turned slightly outward, and toes not as developed as other side. Still able to ambulate, but sometimes falls to that side, getting back up quickly. My hope was to rehabilitate it and once weaned, slowly introduce it back into the wild (starting in the shed where I found it), but now am wondering if that is at all possible? Do you think the leg will heal itself, while most likely a limp? If not, I have read where it is not possible/practical to keep a wild mouse as a pet. Not sure what to do, but certainly want to give the little thing a chance at life, but not risk unnecessary suffering. My vet does not deal with exotics, mice and rescues not interested in mice....implication is just destroy it...I can't do that! Any recommendation/advice is greatly appreciated. Trying to get a good picture of it, emphasizing the bad leg and will post once I can get one....It is so tiny and squirms so much. Thank you.

Without pics, it's difficult to envision the foot issue (I know you said you would post some later) - but if it doesn't seem he would be able to survive in the wild, it would be cruel to turn him loose.
Are there any other vets near you that deal with exotics?

 

[Scooter]

Thank you for your response. I've attached two pictures. They are not the clearest pics, but best I could do at this time. Of course, I would never subject the critter to unnecessary abuse by putting it back outside. I am in the process right now of trying to find someone to look at it and if not, discuss the prospects of keeping it as a pet, despite being wild. And of course, if recommended, would have to have it humanely euthanized. I am still trying to get the short video to load.

 

[lfraser06]

Thank you for your response. I've attached two pictures. They are not the clearest pics, but best I could do at this time. Of course, I would never subject the critter to unnecessary abuse by putting it back outside. I am in the process right now of trying to find someone to look at it and if not, discuss the prospects of keeping it as a pet, despite being wild. And of course, if recommended, would have to have it humanely euthanized. I am still trying to get the short video to load.

Poor baby!
The toes almost look fused (could be the pic).
You won't really be able to tell until it's a bit older - but if they aren't able to walk/run - it's chances of survival are really slim.

 

[Scooter]

Thank you for your response...It is able to walk, occasionally falling on that side, quickly recovering. I was attempting to send a short clip, but can't seem to get it to load...has .mov extension and trying to figure out how to convert so it can be loaded, but, I'm just not technically knowledgeable enough. He can separate the toes some, but they don't seem to be developed correctly. It also uses it to wash its face. Perhaps that is why mama abandoned it. But, when I found, couldn't just leave it out overnight to die from exposure. (maybe that was a mistake, but did what I thought I should do).

 

[lfraser06]

Thank you for your response...It is able to walk, occasionally falling on that side, quickly recovering. I was attempting to send a short clip, but can't seem to get it to load...has .mov extension and trying to figure out how to convert so it can be loaded, but, I'm just not technically knowledgeable enough. He can separate the toes some, but they don't seem to be developed correctly. It also uses it to wash its face. Perhaps that is why mama abandoned it. But, when I found, couldn't just leave it out overnight to die from exposure. (maybe that was a mistake, but did what I thought I should do).

So, from what I can see, you have two options.
Wait and see how he progresses.
Try to find a vet that will see him.

He looks too tiny to even create some sort of support for the leg, to see if that helps.

I just don't think he'll ever be able to be released into the wild.

 

[Scooter]

So, from what I can see, you have two options.
Wait and see how he progresses.
Try to find a vet that will see him.

He looks too tiny to even create some sort of support for the leg, to see if that helps.

I just don't think he'll ever be able to be released into the wild.

Yes..I totally agree. Thank you again for your input.

 

[Scooter]

After three days of caring for this little fellow, and trying to deal with the leg injury discovered early this morning, late this afternoon I noticed he was becoming more lethargic and not wanting to eat. He ate a very small amount around 4, and at 6:30, was refusing to eat at all. I checked back around 7 and attempted once again to fee, but he was not interested and seemed cool, despite still being warmed by the heating pad. I actually put him in my shirt pocket and kept him close. Shortly after I he seemed too still and sadly, he passed away. I tried so hard to care for this little guy and I hope my inexperience didn't kill him. Just cannot believe he was well and so active earlier today and I had high hopes (except for his injured leg) he would make it. I am heartbroken....

 

[lfraser06]

After three days of caring for this little fellow, and trying to deal with the leg injury discovered early this morning, late this afternoon I noticed he was becoming more lethargic and not wanting to eat. He ate a very small amount around 4, and at 6:30, was refusing to eat at all. I checked back around 7 and attempted once again to fee, but he was not interested and seemed cool, despite still being warmed by the heating pad. I actually put him in my shirt pocket and kept him close. Shortly after I he seemed too still and sadly, he passed away. I tried so hard to care for this little guy and I hope my inexperience didn't kill him. Just cannot believe he was well and so active earlier today and I had high hopes (except for his injured leg) he would make it. I am heartbroken....

I am so sorry. But he was fighting some big odds.
It was wonderful of you to put so much effort into him.
Know you did all you could and for that time, he knew some comfort and care.