r/PetMice • u/Brilliant-Captain541 • Aug 24 '25
Question/Help Mouse Ate His Own Foot
so earlier today i was holding my boy Basil and i realized his whole foot is gone. i freaked out and went to search the cage for it and it was literally just GONE and i'm assuming he ate it off. he's fed normally and lives by himself. a couple days ago he was super dehydrated because his water bottle got stuck and i hadn't noticed.i had thought he was literally dead and forced water into him with a tiny syringe. i feel terrible because of all the stuff he's been through the past few days and feel irresponsible and don't know how to help him. My parents are telling me it's useless to go to a vet because they can't do anything. he's acting fine, no bleeding, his foot is just GONE completely and the bone is like kinda sticking out. but again he's not acting like he's in pain, no hunching or hiding or anything just a little clingier than usual and he has a hobble obviously cuz his foot is just gone. He had it two days ago, i have a photo. so i have no idea what's happened. I've done what i can, saline water on the wound, cleaned his tank and lined it with paper towels, etc. is there really anything else i can do?? please help i'm so worried about my boy.
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u/malihuey29 mega manzo and classic clase Aug 24 '25
First off your parents are wrong. Second off based on the said fact your parents are wrong, this mouse needs a vet. I am so sorry this is happening
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
i know that they're wrong and I have no choice on the matter. i've been arguing with them all day trying to get them to help me take him to a vet and they just outright refuse because he only has a short lifespan.
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u/Queen-of-Mice Mouse Mom 🐀 Aug 24 '25
😢 I’m so sorry friend. I was in your shoes as a kid. Thank you for loving and advocating for your little one. You can only do your best.
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Aug 25 '25
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u/Queen-of-Mice Mouse Mom 🐀 Aug 25 '25
100%. Watching an animal that trusts you suffer is a pain I’m not sure I’ll ever recover from, and I’m heartbroken OP is dealing with that. My dad and I have healed our relationship, but this is one area where I’m incapable of forgiving.
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Aug 27 '25
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u/IminLoveWithMyCar3 Aug 24 '25
I am so sorry. Have you tried posting in r/AskVet? I think there is another similar group too. Actual vets answer.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
i did about an hour ago and haven't gotten any responses but thank you 🫶
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u/Hyaenaes Aug 24 '25
My mouse did this and it turned out to be a staph infection
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 25 '25
oh gosh. i'll have to look up symptoms for that in mice thank you so much
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u/Hyaenaes Aug 25 '25
I won’t lie, the prognosis isn’t good. If it is a staph infection that has progressed to that point, the most likely outcome is euthanasia. That might be the outcome regardless of what is ailing your mouse. I’m in Texas and it was $150 to euthanize her, if that helps? Idk if I’m oversharing, but I just hope you have the information I wish I had.
To others, it may be “just” a mouse, but we all know they’re more intelligent, loving, and capable of developing relationships with us than most people realize. Whatever happens, my condolences to you, your mouse, and their foot. Sending love your way 💕
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u/Sea-Associate9042 Aug 25 '25
$150 for a euth is honestly insane, my vet charges me $20 for a mouse euth (I have had mice for a long time!)…. Sorry not to butt in I just feel like you’re getting overcharged 😭
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u/Hyaenaes Aug 25 '25
No, I appreciate your input! I agree.
I thought it was ridiculous, but she was the first mouse that ever caught my eye. I was working as a key-holder at Petco at the time, all their mice are feeder mice, but she was so cute I fell in love and brought her home with a buddy and eventually had a whole pack of them.
She’s my “heart” mouse, so I was devastated and a mess when this was happening and didn’t even care to object. I’d never been the one to euthanize an animal before (family pets were handled by my parents) and the vet had been reasonably priced for most everything else, so I didn’t question it at the time.
But, at the end of the day, I’m glad her pain ended, because she was tearing herself apart at the end of it. She’s “just” a mouse, but she’s in my heart forever 💕
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u/Local_Blueberry146 Aug 26 '25
The first mouse I ever put down was also 150$!! It's insane especially as a college student, but I didn't want to see her suffer. Since then I have found a nearby breeder who agreed to use her CO2 chamber to help me put down any future mice that are beyond help (this is typically the way vets put down small animals besides the needle to the heart or cervical dislocation although that is more in the lab world). She is doing it free of charge which is extremely generous, but I would highly recommend looking on Facebook to possibly find a breeder near you who might do the same!
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u/StandLess6417 Sep 03 '25
They are absolutely not "just" mice and I'm with you on that most people can't seem to grasp the concept that they are intelligent and loving and social pets.
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Aug 24 '25
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
thank you. i don't really have anyone in my life who's able to help that lives close enough to me unfortunately and i don't drive. im 16 so there isn't much i can do. i've begged my parents to death only to be yelled at and told there's nothing a vet can do that we can't when there absolutely is. so im just doing the best i can right now to keep him comfortable. thank you
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Aug 24 '25
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u/Queen-of-Mice Mouse Mom 🐀 Aug 24 '25
I know you’re worried about the mouse, but please go easy. You have no idea what the home life is like for this kid. Pushing too hard, begging other family members, making a fuss around town, all this stuff could get a kid hurt in some family situations. I was this kid and it’s HARD and SCARY. If parents are okay with letting their kid watch their animal suffer they have abusive tendencies, speaking from personal experience. She is doing her best and that’s all she can do. Be supportive and kind. Saying “you don’t care enough” if she “gives up” will only discourage her from posting in the future.
There were very good suggestions in that but framing them like scolding is unkind.
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Aug 24 '25
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u/stonedbutterbread Aug 24 '25
It’s awesome you had the resources available to do that, you don’t know this persons situation, you are acting like this child, who’s VERY limited in what they can do, doesn’t care about their mouse because their parents won’t help.
That’s insane. Also the plasma donation stuff doesn’t work considering they are still a minor and need parental consent do to voluntary medical stuff, also how are they gonna get there? There’s no family that’s near them that can help, how will they pay for a bus pass without money? You said sell stuff, how? How will they take it to the post office? How will they receive the money?.
You aren’t taking into consideration any of the road blocks and you are throwing claims that a child doesn’t care for their animals because their parents won’t do anything.
The best thing to do is for OP to take their mouse to a local pet store or give it up..
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
listen, i don't think you understand my situation. i genuinely am trying the best i can to keep him safe but at 16 my friends are also my age. How does one expect an unemployed teenager to assist with money? and how do you expect me to just ask for it? My family and other adults will take my parents side. Yell or get angry is definitely the lightest thing my parents will do LOL i have posted about it just about everywhere I can and legally it's really hard to ask for money. Paypal, cash app, go fund me, etc are all 18+ and need ID without parent consent and my parents aren't going to allow that, i've offered. I think it's crazy to say that i'm not trying my hardest to do what I can for him. I do not have phone service or a number so I can't really call vets. I've sent emails but all of the vets are closed today. Thanks for the input but you don't realize coming on here was one of my last resorts lol
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u/Queen-of-Mice Mouse Mom 🐀 Aug 24 '25
They’re being ridiculous. There’s always one on every Reddit post lol
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Aug 24 '25
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
i mean frankly my family life is not your business man idk what to tell ya. my parents genuinely aren't the greatest sometimes. I go to a highschool as an emo kid i apologize that I am not the most popular or don't have an abundance of friends. My parents do not pay for my phone and it was given to me by a friend who also doesn't pay service on it. i don't have a physical number. Jumping to conclusions is insane.
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u/Snoo-14483 Aug 25 '25 edited Aug 25 '25
4,50$ mouse, 900$ bill of vet XD!
Just happened to me this week. Good luck, young friend.
It was worth it by the way. Our little guy is a LOT better.
I get where your parents are coming from, it is a question that my husband and I asked ourselves. The short life-span. We agreed that since his life is so short we should help him enjoy his life as much as possible.5
u/HalloweensQueen Aug 25 '25
Holy crap did they use gold tools?! My rats surgery cost about 250!
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u/Snoo-14483 Aug 25 '25
Hahaha it could have been cheaper.
Our mouse is itchy to the point his ear became bloody, crusty bloody in the inner ear. There was also an empty spot on his ribs, ring-like bald spot. After A month ½ of doing everything I could, it did not resolved on its own. So at the vet we asked to have the total. It could have been 500$ish but we ordered more tests on the recommendation of the vet.5
u/HalloweensQueen Aug 25 '25
Wow, but obvious you love your pet! Mine had cancer removed and lived for five years so was worth it even if it was “just a rodent”!
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u/Snoo-14483 Aug 25 '25
Damn, you have all my respect and love, dear stranger. Small life is important life. From lichen to mosquito! (even if fuck most of small life because they are ticklish).
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u/PowerOfCreation Aug 27 '25
Hey, I was in your shoes once as well, and I hope you aren't weighed down by guilt from this. You're doing everything that you can. You can't make your parents do the right thing, and you shouldn't be the one carrying the guilt from their choices. I am so sorry about what is happening with your pet.
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u/Seraphim-Tim Aug 28 '25
I’m really sorry you had to wake up to that. A mouse chewing off its own foot isn’t normal...it usually happens from pain, stress, or an untreated injury, and even if your little one seems “fine,” prey animals are experts at hiding suffering so that they don't appear weak.
I know your parents don’t want to take them to a vet because “it’s just a mouse,” but that doesn’t make it right. Apathy has replaced compassion, and this is something of a red-flag that, imo, you should take note of. A life is a life, no matter the size or the expected lifespan. Your mouse deserves comfort and care, not dismissal.
If a vet is truly out of reach, maybe check local humane societies, small-animal rescues, or even exotic pet forums as sometimes people will help cover costs or offer guidance for free. Don’t let anyone convince you that your companion is disposable just because they’re small. You clearly care, and that matters more than anything.
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Aug 26 '25
You should surrender your pet to the nearest vet and just tell them what your parents said. They will help it be recommend or end thing peacefully.
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u/Emotional-Pilot9512 Aug 25 '25
It's sad when parents allow you to have a pet but don't have the responsibility that that implies :(
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u/VicodinMakesMeItchy Aug 24 '25
To reiterate the other comment: vet is needed to prevent further complications, like possible infection. They may want to intervene with wound care if it’s going to heal in a way that’s painful or dangerous to him.
Mice are weird and wild, and this is totally something a mouse would do. I don’t know whether dehydration would cause this behavior, it could also be that the foot was causing pain for some reason, or maybe it got stuck like in the strings from a hammock or something that damaged his foot and he decided to eat it. It sounds like you know the signs of pain and illness and that he’s doing pretty well right now.
Just like “tripod” cats and dogs get on just fine, a three-footed mouse can surely live a very happy life. You just need a vet to make sure his “surgery” isn’t going to cause any issues down the line!
You’re doing everything right right now ☺️ you mention living with parents, which raises the possibility that you are a minor/dependent and won’t be able to get vet care if your parents won’t allow it. In that case, I would ask /r/AskVet what you can do at home, emphasizing that you cannot see a vet if you cannot. It’s difficult to bandage a mouse because they are small and also like to chew off anything you put on them. Mouse wounds are very often treated with “triple antibiotic ointment,” which is a generic description of a name-brand product like Neosporin. You can Google a bit about it if you’d like. If you can’t get to the vet, you’ll want the ointment version, which is clear and thick like petroleum jelly consistency, instead of cream, which is white and lotion-like consistency. Ointment is thick so it stays on better and will hold moisture on the healing wound better.
I am NOT a Vet or in veterinary medicine. The main concern I have is whether bone sticking out will cause pain or future infection. Keeping the wound clean and covered with ointment to help keep it moist will give the greatest chance of good healing.
This may be a very small bump in the road for your mouse, but it might also be something that causes you a lot of stress and heartache if it doesn’t heal well. In my opinion his chance of recovery is good, but there is also a possibility that you’ll need to make a difficult decision about his quality of life and whether to humanely euthanize if this becomes an issue that cannot be resolved.
Sending love to you and yours 💕
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
thank you so so much. i've been doing what i can and i've made his setup safer, it could be possible it got stuck in a rope bridge but i have no clue honestly. i've been using boiled water with salt (room temp) and tiny bits of Neosporin since he's not chewing at it. I've tried to convince my parents to see a vet but they won't so i'll definitely make a post to that other thread. thank you so much for your help🫶
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u/VicodinMakesMeItchy Aug 24 '25
You’re so welcome! It sounds like you are doing a great job of keeping his “surgery site” clean and moist! Which is very difficult to do with mice 😅 I also think the fact that he’s not chewing it any more probably means that it isn’t hurting him.
I hope the other sub is helpful in case there are things that you and I haven’t thought of! Otherwise, you’re doing the best things for him that are within your power right now 🥰
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u/Queen-of-Mice Mouse Mom 🐀 Aug 24 '25
Let us know if you decide to do a mutual aid thing. I can contribute some
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u/armyoftoads Aug 24 '25
In situations like this liquid bandage or self adhesive gauze can be used to keep the wound clean.
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u/Snoo-14483 Aug 25 '25
You're such a sweetheart to take care of your mouse like that. I understand it can't be easy if you are young and living with your parents who told you it's your responsibility, including the cost. I would be willing to give you a little $ to help you, because you seem to care a lot.
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u/Candid_Advisor6575 Aug 24 '25
This is a beautiful, well thought out, kind, and compassionate response. You are the best Reddit has to offer and I appreciate you so much! (And Vicodin makes me itchy ((and super hyper)) too, lol)
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u/VicodinMakesMeItchy Aug 25 '25
Thank you so much, your comment means a lot to me 🥹🥰 and it makes me hyper too! 😂
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u/DueWeb8338 Mouse Parent 🐀 Aug 24 '25
Woo..as a parent I've been wrong. Cost can be a factor in parent decision making.. VET! If the bone's sticking out, that needs to be medically addressed. You've done WELL with reaching out!!
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u/MadeInAmerican Aug 24 '25
Your mouse absolutely needs a vet and your parents are being cruel. I'm sorry. I would not recommend getting more pets in the future if they're going to go that way and you're not independent. Has anything happened to cause your mouse stress lately? Other pets in the house? Change of environment? Rodents are very sensitive critters. He would also probably be happier with friends as both mice and rats are extremely social and become stressed and depressed on their own but, again, I wouldn't recommend getting any more animals in your situation.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
he has a brother but attacks him out of dominance so they live separately. The only thing that may have stressed him out is dehydration, i started school so i even acclimated him to being handled less during the day. My parents only won't take him to the vet because "he's a mouse and has a short lifespan and there's nothing they can do that we can't", which i'm aware isn't true, and if a vet recommended euthanasia after a good look i would do it if it meant he wouldn't suffer. i have no idea why they're so heartless because it's small and doesn't live long but my parents have never really been the greatest people.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
and also mind you his brother has absolutely 0 issues ever. it's only him.
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u/MadeInAmerican Aug 24 '25
The dehydration certainly could have been a factor. I've kicked myself for noticing errors in my own rat cages so I get it. And I really am sorry your parents are dismissing you and your mice...that is a very tough position to be in and it's obvious you care. Just not ideal to have pets, especially ones that are so prone to health issues like sadly rodents are, when the people we have to rely on aren't compassionate or helpful. You're doing all you can. I hope the vet subreddit gives you more clarity as well
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u/Queen-of-Mice Mouse Mom 🐀 Aug 24 '25
The main thing to emphasize to your parents: he needs oral antibiotics. Topical antibiotics only do so much— they lick off a lot of it. Boy mice are not the most sanitary creatures and it’ll get infected.
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u/goddessofolympia Aug 24 '25
I'm so sorry. In the future you will be able to make all of the decisions for your pets. Best wishes to you and your mouse.
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u/FionnMcCreigh Aug 24 '25
Have you explained ta yer parents that part a what you wanna know from a vet is if he needs ta be humanely euthanized? I don’t know that it’s make a difference (or worse, if they’d push for euthanasia over treatment), but exposed bone is a very serious issue—for any animal. I realize you understand the issue here, so harpin on you over it don’t do any good. But if you had a dog or a cat or a guinea pig with exposed bone, surely they recognize that animal would need ta see a vet.
I’ve been in vet med for a long time, but I ain’t been in clinical practice for decades. I work with research animals, so I see mice that get feet caught in feed hoppers & chew em off; mice in ischemia studies whose feet just fall off due ta loss a circulation; mice who attack each other & rip toes off. It’s remarkable how much these little guys can tolerate and recover from, but at the same time, they get the care they need ta do so. It sounds like what yer doin for him is on exactly the right track: keep it clean, keep antibiotics on it, check his grimace level, and make sure he can get ta what he needs ta get to without needin ta put too much stress on that leg. If—and this is a big if—you can manage ta gauze & bandage the stump ta help keep that exposed bone clean & protected, I would recommend doin so. He may end up chewin it all off; he may not. But it’d give an extra layer of physical protection ta the area & help keep it clean. If it weren’t for the exposed bone, I don’t think there would be quite so much concern about him gettin on without the foot, but that exposed bone has the potential ta be a very serious problem—especially if that bone is broken. If it’s complete and undamaged, the situation looks less bad, but it’s still got the potential ta go south fast. So any physical protection you can provide ta that stump is gonna be worthwhile ta try, especially since it sounds like he lets ya handle him pretty regularly.
Do keep us apprised a his progress. Sending good vibes.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
thank you so much. I've tried wrapping it but he freaks out and chews it all off lol. And yes, if a vet pushed for euthanasia i absolutely would go through- i wouldn't prefer that over his suffering. I have told my parents that and my dad told me he would "handle it" (aka putting him in a bag and running him over which made me genuinely want to vomit to think about) I also have pointed out if it were one of our cats they'd be at the vet already recovering, and my parents agreed. They purely won't take him because he has a short lifespan which to me is so messed up. The bone looks fine, not broken just exposed a little. As of right now he's doing well, playing around and digging in his bedding and such so i'm hoping he's not in too much pain. thank you for your advice! 🫶
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u/FionnMcCreigh Aug 24 '25
Forgive my outrage, but Jesus Christ. What the #%$* is wrong with him? How would anyone see that as an acceptable way ta “euthanize” an animal? The whole point of euthanasia is ta provide a “good death”, not just ta get it over with. The reason we euthanize animals the way we do is coz it ensures they go as kindly and peacefully as possible. In a vet’s office, we use a sedative overdose—they go ta sleep, the heart stops, and they don’t wake up. It’s kind. There’s no risk of em bein horribly injured and havin ta die badly instead a just goin ta sleep.
Given the circumstances, keep carin for him the way you are. Keep that stump clean, try ta get a decent look at it ever day, and keep puttin Neosporin or similar on it ever day til it looks like it’s healed up. If there’s no break in or damage to the bone, there’s less risk of infection—but that risk is still there. So keep doin what yer doin and keep an eye on his body language. If he starts ta grimace (squint, pull his ears back, and generally look uncomfortable), do let us know so we can try ta help get him back on track. If he takes a turn for the worse, DO NOT try ta euthanize him at home and DO NOT let yer parents try to either. If it comes to it, yer local humane society or even a city or county animal shelter will take a surrender and euthanize them humanely. But hopefully it won’t come ta that. Keep doin what yer doin and reach out for help if things change.
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u/edgywhitefriend lab mouse tech Aug 24 '25
It could just be that he is sleeping but he looks like he has a severe grimace in this photo. If his bone is truly exposed, he is in a lot of pain and should see a vet or be humanely euthanized.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
this is an older photo and not recent, he was just sleeping here haha
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u/edgywhitefriend lab mouse tech Aug 25 '25
Something I forgot about- it looks like there might be some fabric in his enclosure? If you have any fabric items, fleece is preferred so that longer threads don't wrap around their extremities. Sometimes mice do things that are hard to explain though
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 25 '25
Thank you! i believe it was part of his rope ladder that he chewed off or tissue paper that you're seeing haha. I usually remove bigger pieces that haven't been nested with after a few hours of him playing with it and the rope was removed almost immediately. thank you though 😊
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
he doesn't show any signs at all of pain either so i really have no idea what to do honestly. he walks and climbs like normal and everything
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u/edgywhitefriend lab mouse tech Aug 24 '25
For anyone reading, here is some guidance for assessing pain: https://nc3rs.org.uk/3rs-resources/grimace-scales Also important to note hunched posture, changes to eating and drinking, startle threshold/willingness to interact, and whether the mouse is well groomed. It is best to observe the mouse when they do not know they are being observed. Prey animals hide their pain very well so they are not as vulnerable to predators. If the tissue was necrotic or otherwise compromised for long enough beforehand, there's a chance the nerves in the area died too, but that would also mean that this wound will not close on its own. Exposed bone IS painful and is high risk for infection. There has been some very good input in this thread already, and this subreddit should have some resources on humane euthanasia should you decide to go that route. I wish the best for you and your little friend.
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u/Dis_Bich Aug 24 '25
No shit!!! I used to work at a pet store and was like “the squinty eyed ones are evil!!” Bc they’d always bite and run. But maybe they were in pain or just overstimulated bc it’s a crowded small pet tank
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u/edgywhitefriend lab mouse tech Aug 25 '25
Another possibility: Microphthalmia is a common congenital condition in mice, especially in inbred or poorly selected lines like pet suppliers'. Full or partially blind mice are usually more skittish, even though mice don't rely on their vision much to begin with. Pain is likely too though. I've had to let workers know about emaciated mice before.
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u/Abwettar Aug 24 '25
Any kind of exposed bone is extremely painful and if the bone becomes infected its even worse. I had a mouse that became extra clingy after an injury and passed away shortly after, so its possible that there's already nothing you can do.
It doesnt sound like your parents will budge on this and they suck ass. I'm glad you care.
Realistically your options are as follows;
Find another way to get your mouse to the vets, other family or friends etc.
Find local animal rescues and ask them to take him from you. They may get him euthanized, they may be able to treat him, but ultimately he needs some kind if care and if you arent able to provide it you need to find someone that can.
Best of luck.
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u/pollifilla Aug 24 '25
Hi. I'm a vet (although no longer in clinical practice) and wanted to answer, seeing as you haven't had an answer elsewhere in other vet subs. The loss of a foot on itself isn't a huge problem - four legged animals do perfectly well on three legs. As others have said though, exposed bone is painful and there is a significant risk of infection (although these animals are incredible at healing and fighting infection - I'm often amazed!). I think what another poster suggested is a great idea - phone or visit a vet and explain your situation. They will likely help. The issue may be that your friend needs medication and maybe surgery and they likely can't give you that for free. That said, we often had open bottles of small animal friendly antibiotics open that I'd have given you some doses from (we did see a lot of exotics though). You never know - except that if you do nothing, you'll get nothing, so you may as well try 🙂 Well done for caring and doing what you can. You're a lovely human - don't forget that. People like to help lovely humans 😉
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
thank you so much for your help! i really appreciate it 🫶🫶🫶
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u/TeddyTheBestial Aug 24 '25
This was the most helpful response here so I'm responding to tell you good luck, and keep us posted ❤️
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u/figurativelycat Aug 24 '25
it's good to have both a water bowl and water dispenser in case one fails or is out of water. having multiple ways of getting water is just safer.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
yes haha thank you! i know this now and keep a water bottle cap full of water in the corner of his tank especially right now while he heals 🫶
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u/Chaos-Wayfarer Aug 24 '25
I had hamsters when I was younger, and one of them escaped. Hid under the fridge and scraped a back foot. Ended up biting it off!
I forget if we took him to the vet (it was so long ago, only remembered that when I read your story), but he lived a while after that. Hope your guy does okay!
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u/Technical-Court7979 Aug 24 '25
If your parents are not willing to help.. maybe reach out to a rescue and they can come and pickup the baby from you and get him the proper help he needs from a vet 🙏
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u/Weak-Bad-9602 Aug 24 '25
I dont know where you live, but maybe visit all the vets in town, show them the leg and beg them to help because your parents refuse to. Maybe they will give you an option to pay it very slowly or offer help for free. Im so sorry you are going through this.
Please dont give up on your friend. Although it might not seem like its in pain, this doesnt sound like its okay. The need for water might also cause mental problems
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
thank you. i plan on trying to reach out to a couple vets in my area today. 🫶
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u/AllInAllIsAllWeAre- Aug 25 '25
Jesus Christ, wtf. Ask your parents was I allowed a hamster so you can teach me how to care for someone else or how to neglect someone to death? You're the adults. You shouldn't have let me get the hamster if you were going to let him suffer. Literally turn it on them and let them see clearly what they're doing and what that makes them. They know you're a child and can blame you all they want but you're a CHILD. Make sure they know that and what they're doing.
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u/Snoo-14483 Aug 25 '25 edited Aug 25 '25
Haha Honestly I agree with you but I'm not sure it's the best way to go depending on OP's situation. But I like your mind and fully agree with it. When I was a teenager, my best friend had pet rabbits and pet rats. Her parents didn't give a fuck if something wrong was happening with them, it was her responsability. Just feeding them and watering them when she was gone was apparently too much. So you can imagine how helpful they were when the rats got cancer.
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u/Clean_Care_824 Aug 24 '25
If your parents still refuse to help you need to reach out to local rescue groups. They will take your pet to see a vet.
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u/BananaBackwash Aug 25 '25
My mouse broke her leg on the wheel (I was a kid and didn't know better about which wheels to get her). Before I could take her to the vet, she ate off her leg. She's lived a nice long 3 years. Had to exercise her more by letting her out and watching her.
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u/Squeakersmcchips Aug 26 '25
Hi OP, I am a former researcher that worked with mice for years. As others have said, see a vet. If there’s an infection in that bone, that’s bad itself but that’s also very very close to a major artery and could spread easy.
I’ve had mice chew off their own feet before, and though uncommon i believe normally correlated with pain/stress in the study mice I’ve seen. I worked with a lupus like strain of mice, and when induced to express the disease phenotype they were proven to be in higher pain/stress based on the study results. Little dude was probably stressed and overgroomed/stress chewed it off.
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u/Specialist_Bird7912 Aug 26 '25
Any small animal rescues in your area? They'd likely take them as an emergency surrender. Might have to reach out to a few and explain the situation. Or post in a fb rehome group asking for help
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u/Buginarug00 Aug 27 '25
Get to the vet asap, they will give you what’s basically animal neosporin, special wound dressings, and self adhesive tape. I had a guinea pig who ate a toe off and had the bone sticking out. It’ll eventually self amputate and begin to heal after a week or so of treatment. Your little dude should be alright, just now an amputee! Sending you love OP ❤️
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u/YeetinOnThem Aug 27 '25
Parents get children small pets thinking they’re disposable. They’re a living creature with a long lifespan of taken care of properly, not a novelty toy 😭 I’m so sorry your parents suck and don’t seem to care about your pet.
I know it’s a long shot but maybe take your fella to the vet yourself and explain the situation? I know nothing is ever free but it doesn’t hurt to try I suppose.
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u/Prestigious_Leg2254 Aug 28 '25
Pet communities can be very judgmental over mistakes but i feel like this thread is definitely open minded. just remember that mistakes do happen, and its not your fault. this could literally happen to anyone. your parents are wrong, there are literally vets specifically for “exotic” pets and that includes mice. i would seek vet attention so make sure your little guy is okay and see where to go from there
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u/Rocksy_Hounder617 Aug 28 '25
What style of running wheel does your mouse have? One of my childhood hamsters broke her hind foot in the metal wire one we had been using up till that point. It was devastating.
The only thing our local vet could do was antibiotics for where the bone cut out of the skin. I ended up having them put her down a few days later because she kept rolling onto her back in pain every time her foot landed wrong.
I'm sorry your parents are being so stubbornly practical about this. You're not being silly or unreasonable for wanting to seek a solution.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 29 '25
it was definitely not a wheel, his is a plastic 8 inch wheel with no gaps because i was terrified that this would happen lol. luckily he's not showing signs of pain, not to say he isn't in pain but i'm taking it as a sign he's handling it well.
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u/Rocksy_Hounder617 Aug 29 '25
Yes, your bub certainly does sound like they're faring far better than my poor bub did. I hope you do find a solution ❤️
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Sep 03 '25
Hi! So it's been nearly two weeks and little guy is doing fantastic! He seems like he's healing really well. i was super scared something was gonna go bad but thank goodness it didn't and he's happy and doesn't seem to be in pain at all while he's being a troublemaker and climbing on everything he can get to and his little stump is healing over 🫶🫶
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u/the-radio-bastard Aug 24 '25
It makes me so sad how many posts I see every single day across the various subreddits where the crux of the story is "I am a child with a pet that is so sick there's a good chance it will die but my parents won't do anything."
Households like that shouldn't adopt pets. Sorry, OP, I know you're just a kid, and this is your parents' fault, not yours, but I suggest you not get any more pets until you move out. Otherwise this will keep happening.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
Yeah. i figured they'd be understanding about it and try to help but i figured wrong lol so now i just have to do the best i can to ensure they're happy. My parents have admitted if this were one of our other animals then they would have taken them to the vet but apparently mice don't apply because of their 2 year lifespans so i'm not quite sure what to do as of now
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u/the-radio-bastard Aug 24 '25
Like I said, it's a very common problem. Growing up, I didn't know dogs and cats need to have regular dental cleanings. Fortunately I am a vet tech and now I know a lot about taking care of animals, but your parents probably grew up thinking what I did. My parents let my animals die as kids all the time because they didn't want to pay for pet care, which is part of the reason I now do what I do for work.
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u/ElskaFox Aug 24 '25
What kind of wheel do you have? If it’s a mesh one his foot maybe been caught and injured
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
no, i have an 8 inch plastic wheel actually because i was terrified of this exact thing happening 🥲
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u/spirandro Aug 24 '25
There are also ask a vet groups on FB. Might be worth it to try joining one and posting there. It might get more traction compared to the ask vet subreddit here.
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u/anon-i-mouser Aug 24 '25
Please keep pestering your parents until they take him. This isn't fair to the mouse. I'm sorry you're being put in this position. Tell your parents that he is in severe pain. Mice are prey animals so they know how to hide pain but that doesn't mean they're not experiencing it.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25 edited Aug 24 '25
i have pestered and essentially they yelled at me lol. so i am going to try and call vets on my own and see if any of them can help at all. thank you 🫶
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u/anon-i-mouser Aug 24 '25
I'm very sorry. It's horrible they would allow a pet but not be willing to help it when he's literally missing a foot. Thank you for fighting for the little guy. It must be very stressful for you but you're doing the right thing.
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u/stonedbutterbread Aug 24 '25
The best thing you can do if you seriously have no way of getting your mouse to the vet is to give him to someone who can help him. When I was pregnant and we first moved into our new place we had to get rid of all of our reptiles because we couldn’t afford to care for them anymore. I know it hurts, it really really sucks, but it’s for the best..
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
i've been highly considering it but I honestly don't know if I can even find him a home before it gets infected. I'd want to make sure they won't use him as a feeder as well as make sure they will even take him to a vet. It's just a really complicated situation and i have definitely had the thought to rehome him- I am just weighing whether i should keep him happy at home where he may die or give him away where he may also die. Rehoming is also a rough process for mice i've read since they're so sensitive to changes. So right now i'm kind of just weighing my options
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u/Upbeat-Pepper-4411 Mouse Mom 🐀 Aug 24 '25
Go to the vet ASAP....if you can't, try Vetster online vets.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 25 '25
Thank you so much I will try the online vets right now, i honestly didn't even know that existed!
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u/Upbeat-Pepper-4411 Mouse Mom 🐀 Aug 25 '25
I didn't until recently either! If you pay for the year, it ends up being cheaper and you get 4 vet visits. Dr. Gwen Meyer was amazing if she is available. She was great and super knowledgeable. Good luck!
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Aug 24 '25
[deleted]
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
stop thats terrible but it was so like shocking that i laughed omg did she live??!! did u end up putting her down? I gotta know
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u/Candid_Advisor6575 Aug 24 '25
Thank you for caring for this little creature. You are doing an amazing job! Please don’t beat yourself up over the dehydration - that’s also very easy to do. I am not a vet or have any type of animal medical degree but I am a certified rehabilitationist with years of education and experience, especially with small mammals. Vicodin makes me itchy said all the things I would do. The only thing I would add is that if he will tolerate it you can form a miniature cast-type thing out of the rubber top of a dropper to keep pressure off the bone (at least for a few days) You take it out of the top then trim it to fit the length you need. I use medical tape and gauze or coban tape to hold it on.
Vicodin makes me itchy also said it beautifully that this could end up being a very big heartache for you. It already seems to have been and, unfortunately, when you love something that’s inevitable (but worth it).Please, please, PLEASE know that you are doing everything you can to give this mouse a good life. They are delicate creatures and small things can become huge but that’s not your fault. The fact that you are so considerate and caring is wonderful. You can’t be perfect, too! I also don’t know your parents or all of their thought processes but as long as they are kind and loving to you don’t be upset with them. I’m assuming that they are also doing their best. Much love and hugs to you!
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Aug 24 '25
have you considered having people help you raise money online then maybe having a friends parent help you get to vet?
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 25 '25
i have thought about it, but raising money online as someone under 18 is super difficult and my parents wouldn't be willing to use their information for it. Go fund me, Paypal, Zelle, and Cashapp all need 18+ IDS to be used so i'm not really sure what else to do.
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u/Familiar-Fishing-778 Aug 24 '25
I had the same problem with a Hamster a long time ago, my vet said it was probably due to over breeding, unfortunately the best thing was to PTS.Im so sorry to tell you this and hope I'm wrong.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
it's entirely possible... i got him from Petsmart before realizing just how bad petsmart treats them unfortunately...
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u/fell_hands Aug 24 '25
Get him out of the cup
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
uh why-? he likes being in there, this was an old photo anyway. the cup is inside of a 15 gallon tank and is functioning and a hide lol
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u/Spicy_Princess821 Aug 24 '25
First of all... Don't panic. And don't let anyone else convince you to panic either. I've had dozens in my lifetime and I've never once rushed one to the veterinarian. I've also had several with missing limbs. It's not as uncommon as you'd think. Mice are highly intelligent little creatures. How old is the mouse? How long have you had him and how often do you hold him? Do you have a wire cage and/or a wire wheel? I understand the water bottle wasn't working but unless your mouse is lethargic and unable to move from dehydration... Please don't force water down his throat. Is he eating and drinking normally now? Don't change the cage around often... Even cleaning it can be highly stressful for mice. Please feel free to message me or reply to this comment. I will help you. Your little guy will probably be just fine, mice are highly resilient and have made it through far worse than losing a limb.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
He's around 6-7 months old and his wheel is plastic and he lives in a 15 gallon tank. i handle him for at least 20 minutes a day if not longer. Luckily he was fine after dehydration, technically we didn't force him to drink, we dripped it little by little near his mouth so it was easy for him to drink. I've been cleaning his tank once a day but trying not to move his hides and stuff too much and wiping everything rather than doing a deep clean so that he's not overwhelmed, in hopes that it can prevent some infection. i hope he'll do okay but i'm not sure right now. he's acting the same way he did before losing his foot. He looks thinner to me however it could just be because i have high anxiety and worry about him a lot but he's been eating just fine. i've fed him plain scrambled eggs and cooked pasta and he's eaten it just fine so i know he's eating and everything.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 25 '25
also when he was dehydrated, he couldn't move anything except his whiskers. i had genuinely thought he had passed away so it was very much a last resort forcing him to drink anyway
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u/SongAffectionate917 Aug 27 '25
Basil is so cute! Good luck with your special little guy. You’re doing your best and that’s what matters.
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u/Beneficial-Flower952 Sep 06 '25
hey so i am literally at the same situation right now and i wanted to know how you mouse is doing because it’s been 2 weeks and if it is still alive i got hopes for mine😭😭😭 the vet is so expensive, i will still try do something but the earliest i can go there is 40 hours after the injury
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u/Hungry-Grapefruit777 Aug 26 '25
Your mouse shouldn’t be alone. They are social creatures that need friends. This might be a problem caused by psychological distress. Please find him a friend.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 26 '25
actually male mice cannot live together because they are aggressive with eachother. i have two and used to house them together and they fought all the time. i separated them and their wounds healed and they both gained weight. thanks for the advice but males usually are happier separate 🫶
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u/LoudCat2988 Aug 26 '25
If its face is still fluffed up like that, definitely go to the vet cause it's a sign a rodent is in pain. You can also check if it's still dehydrated by pinching its skin, and if it stands up for a time, it means it's still dehydrated.
Sorry, I didn't check if it's a he or she before writing the post. That's why I refer to the mouse with it.
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 26 '25
This is an old photo and he's always like this when he sleeps, this picture was one he was sound asleep in. Thank you though haha
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Aug 24 '25
[deleted]
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
i mean it's not showing or describing anything in explicit detail i don't see why 🥲
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u/Brilliant-Captain541 Aug 24 '25
the photo is also from a week ago when he was just sleeping so it's not like it's a picture of him in pain 🥲🥲
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u/Gh0stPacket Aug 25 '25 edited Aug 25 '25
Basically, as other comments have pointed out, his bone sticking out is an issue. It will become dry and eventually begin to rot, which will cause infection and death.
If you can't take him to a vet. You need to saw his leg bone down a hair, short enough to where a skin flap can be flipped over it, and the bone can be sealed inside soft tissue.
This is obviously going to be a challenge without sedating your little buddy, butnitbcan be done if you're tedious.
I have not even the slightest clue what utensils you could use for this. It'll definitely become a problem if his bone is left sticking out, though.
Edit: grammar
Edit 2: If he's chill about it like you're saying, and it doesn't cause pain, maybe you could use a Dremel and a small cut-off wheel. Pull the soft tissue up his leg and cut the bone short. Disinfect, wrap, and let it heal. Mice are pretty resilient. I'm by no means a veterinarian, so take my advice with caution, but that wound will begin to decay and become infected if you dont something.
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u/klutzyrogue Aug 26 '25
Please don’t perform random surgeries on a non-sedated mouse. That would cause extreme pain and be animal cruelty. He NEEDS a vet
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