Health

Mice can suffer from a variety of problems that may need veterinary inspection.  If you think your mouse isn't his/herself then take her to a vet immediately.

Tumours

In later life female mice seem prone to tumours.  I've owned four females myself, one being the mother, the other three her offspring.  After the mother reached just over a year and a half old she developed her tumour, along with one of her daughters.  Tumours can be removed (although some vets are reluctant to do the operation as tumours can grow back and operating on a small animal has high risks).  Operations are also expensive (I was quoted about £30 + although this may differ across the country).

Mice can cope exceptionally well with tumours if you chose not to operate and seem not to be in any pain with them in the early stages.  They still eat, play and get around just as well.  However they will keep growing bigger and bigger which could result in your mouse accidentally catching it's feet on the tumour (depending on where it is of course) making it bleed.  If it gets to that stage certain decisions should be made so the mouse doesn't suffer.

Respiratory Problems

Respiratory problems are not as common as in rats, but can have serious consequences if not sorted out.  Look out for signs of difficulty breathing, fluffed up appearance, sneezing and/or red around the nose.  If you spot anything that worries you, take the mouse to the vet.  The bedding that your mouse is kept on may trigger respiratory problems so think about changing it.  Wood shavings and wood based cat litter can be common causes (wood based cat litter dissolves when wet creating plenty of dust to aggravate this condition).  Put your mouse on newspaper or cardboard-based bedding (such as Ecopetbed).

Mites

There are lots of mite treatments around for small animals.  Make sure you chose one clearly labelled for mice and follow the instructions carefully when treating your mice for mites.

More coming soon...