Is this a cause for concern?

by rebecka Mon 19 Mar 2018, 2:32 am

Recently I noticed that my older female mouse (around 1 year) has gained some weight (about 6g) and her sides has bulged out. I know that she is not pregnant because the other two mice in her cage are for sure female(very obvious nipples) and there are no wild mice where I live. Her underbelly is also a bright red with no hair which is not normal for her. I was worried that it might be something like a tumour or bloat but I don’t know how to tell for sure. I was thinking of taking her to see a vet but the earliest I would be able to go is the 28th(March). I was just wondering if anyone would know for sure how to tell if she’s just fat or not and what the cause for a red underbelly might be? Thank you!! Smile

( I also wanted to add that the other mice look normal)

by CallaLily Mon 19 Mar 2018, 6:51 am

Can you get a picture of her belly? That might give us a better idea on if she’s just put on some weight or if it’s cause for concern. As for the redness and hair loss, may be a bedding allergy. What type of bedding do you use?

by rebecka Mon 19 Mar 2018, 7:20 am

CallaLily wrote:Can you get a picture of her belly? That might give us a better idea on if she’s just put on some weight or if it’s cause for concern. As for the redness and hair loss, may be a bedding allergy. What type of bedding do you use?

I don’t really know how to insert a photo so I hope that worked but you can see how it sort of bulges out on the sides. Her fur looks sparse in the photo but she’s always been like that and my main concern is the hair loss on the stomach. I use a combo of aspen bedding (a brand which I’ve used before with no problems) and crittercare paper based bedding which I am trying for the first time so that may be what she’s allergic to.

by River Mon 19 Mar 2018, 11:52 am

Allergies can occur at any time no matter how long you've used it. I'd suggest eliminating allergies, this definitley seems bedding related...I would try plain paper towels or shredded paper just until it gets a little bit better (doesn't take long!) and then experiment with going back to Aspen or wood pulp paper beddings. No comment on the weight.

by rebecka Mon 19 Mar 2018, 2:54 pm

River wrote:Allergies can occur at any time no matter how long you've used it. I'd suggest eliminating allergies, this definitley seems bedding related...I would try plain paper towels or shredded paper just until it gets a little bit better (doesn't take long!) and then experiment with going back to Aspen or wood pulp paper beddings. No comment on the weight.

I will try that and see how it goes. Thank you!

by CallaLily Tue 20 Mar 2018, 8:20 am

I can’t say for sure of course, but she just looks a little chubby to me. A lot of mice put on a little weight with age. But if it was very sudden, like overnight, it might be a good idea to consult a vet.

I agree with everything @River said about allergies.

by rebecka Tue 20 Mar 2018, 9:53 pm

CallaLily wrote:I can’t say for sure of course, but she just looks a little chubby to me. A lot of mice put on a little weight with age. But if it was very sudden, like overnight, it might be a good idea to consult a vet.

I agree with everything @River said about allergies.

I do think I’m going to make her an appointment because I just weighed her again and she has now gained 13g in total within a week. The good thing is that it doesn’t seem to be bothering her but I still don’t want to risk it. Thank you! Smile

by CallaLily Wed 21 Mar 2018, 1:38 pm

Better safe than sorry. Please let us know how it goes.

by rebecka Sun 25 Mar 2018, 6:08 am

CallaLily wrote:Better safe than sorry. Please let us know how it goes.

We ended up going to the vet on Friday and the vet said that she thinks it’s fluid buildup from her heart or liver. She prescribed Lasix oral medication and it looks to be working. She looks thinner and has lost 2 g in a day which I assume is from fluid draining. She said it doesn’t look like the chances of her getting better are very good but I have hope for her.

by CallaLily Sun 25 Mar 2018, 9:34 am

Oh no.

I’m so glad you took her in to the vet. If nothing else you’ll be able to keep her more comfortable. I’ll keep her in my thoughts.

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