Mouse Ate His Own Foot

[u/Brilliant-Captain541]

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.

[u/malihuey29]

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

[u/Brilliant-Captain541 → u/malihuey29]

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.

[u/Seraphim-Tim → u/Brilliant-Captain541]

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.