Hello Everyone + Identification Help!

by LittleMac Fri 20 May 2016, 10:17 am

Hello Everyone,
I recently rescued an orphaned deer mouse baby and have hand raised it. It currently is still going through the weaning process. I could use some help with the gender identification, because it's not matching the photos I've seen on identification at funmouse.com or the various other sites I've researched. I think it's a female but I'm not totally sure. I'm worried if it is a female, that I'd need to get it a companion sooner rather than later. Is there anyway you could help me identify it from the attached photos? And if it is a female, any information on how to go about getting and introducing a companion would be much appreciated. Thanks for your time!
Best,
LittleMac Heart

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by scaredymouse Fri 20 May 2016, 12:08 pm

Oh my goodness. What a cute little thing. But it looks to me that you have a boy with a prolapsed penis. Hopefully, someone else with more experience will take a look at it and be able to offer another opinion. The biggest problem with a prolapsed penis is that vets cannot legally treat wild animals, and would likely put him to sleep. In addition, prolapse is painful for the animal. Is it having any trouble urinating?

FYI, I sent the picture to someone who should be able to diagnose this, I'll post back as soon as I hear anything.

by LittleMac Fri 20 May 2016, 12:18 pm

Hi Scaredymouse,
Thank you so much for the quick response. I had a feeling something wasn't quite right after doing my research and trying to compare gender photos. The little thing seemed to be urinating just fine without trouble, but it's harder to monitor now that I have it in a bigger "40" gallon aquarium. There was a time when its genitals was quite irritated and red, but that seems to have cleared up. Is a "prolapsed penis," something that has to be fixed, or can it live a normal/pain free life with it? Thank you again, I really appreciate the help.
Best,
LittleMac

by LittleMac Fri 20 May 2016, 12:21 pm

And thank you for sending the photo for a diagnosis. I really appreciate you taking your time to do this. Love

by scaredymouse Fri 20 May 2016, 1:20 pm

Alright, LittleMac, brace yourself. I just got confirmation that your little fella indeed has an infected prolapsed penis. It's very swollen and red and prolapsed quite a bit. And it is painful for him. Without intervention, he will suffer and then eventually die from it. I'm so sorry to have to tell you this. I can tell you really care about him. I have never heard of an instance where this sort of thing corrects itself. It is illegal for vets to treat wild animals. So you will need to find a wildlife rehabilitation center. Unfortunately, he's so little and mice just don't get the care they deserve, especially wild ones. I imagine they will euthanize him... which is the most humane thing to do. He might not look like he is in pain but he is. Being prey animals, mice do an excellent job hiding their pain. Again, I am so sorry to have to tell you all of this. That poor little mouse is so cute and the picture of him sleeping in your hand is very sweet. Thank you for trying to save him.

by LittleMac Fri 20 May 2016, 1:47 pm

Dear Scaredymouse,
Thank you again for the quick response, kind words, and information, as this has been a worry. I appreciate you being frank with the info as it helps with making an educated decision as to the welfare of this little one. I ultimately want to do what's best for the little guy so he can be without pain. I see you are located in Michigan. My family resides in the Kalmazoo, MI. area, so if you are aware of any wildlife rehabilitaters in the southwest Michigan area, I would appreciate it if you'd let me know. I will do my own research, as well as contacting our vet to see what our options are. Thank you again for taking your time to help. It means a lot.
Take care,
LittleMac

by CinnamonPearl Fri 20 May 2016, 2:44 pm

So sorry to hear about the poor little guy. However, even if he had been healthy, you wouldn't have been able to keep him anyway. Deer mice are wild animals. It was a wonderful thing for you to raise him up, but wild animals can just never be truly happy kept in captivity. If you manage to get him care, then you'll have to release him as soon as he's weaned and healthy. If not, then... Well, I'm sure you know. So very sorry.

by scaredymouse Fri 20 May 2016, 4:21 pm

I called my exotic vet and they referred me to a wildlife center in Howell. Here is the website with their phone number and hours:

http://howellnaturecenter.org/wildlife/wildlife-rehabilitation/

also, they provided this link as an additional resource that might offer assistance closer to your location:

http://www.michigandnr.com/dlr/

hope this helps. for now, just keep doing what your are doing. keep the little fella warm and fed. he looks quite comfortable being held, so just do what you can to comfort him and make him feel safe.

by scaredymouse Fri 20 May 2016, 9:19 pm

I'm not sure if you have ever had pet mice before or if this is your first experience with the little critters, but it's easy to see that you have enjoyed caring for this little one. So, I wanted to suggest that you consider rescuing a mouse from a shelter (if possible) or getting one from the pet store. Male mice need to live alone but females do best in a colony of three. Mice are such gentle creatures, so sweet and a whole bunch of fun. I had mice as a kid but it wasn't until much later in life that I became such an eccentric rodent enthusiast (lol) Cheer

by LittleMac Sat 21 May 2016, 1:03 am

Dear Scaredymouse,
Thank you again. You have been such a help and comfort during this time. I appreciate the info on local rehabilitaters and will contact them right away. I also appreciate the suggestions for future mouse care, they truly are remarkable little ones. My family has always cared for animals big and small. Some "come by chance," at our doorstep, and we do what we can to care for them. Thank you for being so generous with your time and sharing your knowledge.
Very grateful,
LittleMac