Ask A Scientist© Veterinary Topics Archive

name         amy
status       other
age          30s

Question -   I think my son's dog captured a field mice.  We saved it's
life but were wondering if it was a smart think to keep it.  It's the size
of a half dollar,grey, round nosed and long hind legs.  What do you think
we should do?  If we do keep it, how do we make sure this is what it
is?  What to feed it?  It might be a baby?
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I can't tell you what it is, but I'd say it's wiser to return it to the
field once it's healthy enough. That's where it's supposed to live. If you
want a pet mouse, you can go to a pet store and rescue one from the reptile
feeding room.

And yes, field mice can carry Lyme Disease, and rarely Hantavirus.

Phillip Raclyn, DVM CVA
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