Science Forums 2

[CraigD]

If you’re certain you’re dealing with a infection, an injection of a broad spectrum antibiotic like Cipro or Ampicillin is likely the surest way to fix it (there are veterinary versions of most of these, or which I know little). You can usually dose mouse/rat size animals with IV antibiotics simply by injecting them subcutaneously (the loose layer between skin and muscle). Unless you’re an MD, DVM, pharmacist, or rancher, however, you’ll need to get such stuff from a vet, who will have likely have better judgment on how to treat Doc than anyone could give blind over the internet.

My experience with tiny animals (mice, hamsters, etc) and vets is that most vets don’t see many of them, and will often treat them for cheap to free out of curiosity. A vet visit might be your best option.

A vet’s also good, because their judgment of when a disorder is too advanced to humanely treat is usually better than a pet owner’s, and they have the meds and tools to euthanize an animal if that’s the best option. Small mammals can die in some appallingly nasty ways, so if it’s within your means, I strongly recommend a vet visit.

Best wishes for Doc’s recovery. I’ve had some only slightly bigger pets myself (rats and rescued squirrels), and know how emotionally attached you can get to them, and them to you.