My mouse spins in circles. Is it a health or behavior issue?

Poor Mekah! I am worried that she may have something neurological going on. Since it has been going on for 2 hours, I strongly recommend contacting your veterinarian for an exam, possible diagnostics (for example blood work and/or x-rays), and medication.

If she will allow, check her teeth to see if they are overgrown or maloccluded. Either may result in a decrease or loss of appetite. Soak her pellets in warm water or a bit of fruit juice to stimulate her appetite and make eating easier. If she still does not eat or continues her aberrant behavior, have her physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose illness or injury.

She could have been nibbling on something or had something stuck. Usually with a URI you would notice change in her breathing. If She seems content I would monitor the situation and if her breathing or behaviour changes or she develops nasal discharge I would get her seen to.

If your mouse drinks a lot of water, it will pee a lot. This could be caused by heat, but also by diseases like diabetes and kidney disease. Your veterinarian can do a blood test to check for these diseases and treat them if they are not too advanced.

Thank you for your question, and I am sorry to hear about Gus Gus. I would ensure that the bedding is clean and dry, and that the temperatures in your house are not too cold. A general rule of thumb that I use is around 70-75F for mice. Please ensure there are no drafts as well. I would also recommend checking to make sure he is eating normally (this can be hard in mice as sometimes they will cache food in different areas) and producing urine and feces. If you have done all of these things and Gus Gus still isn't behaving normally, I would recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian. There are a number of clinics in your area that have clinicians who are comfortable in seeing exotic companion animals, such as mice like Gus Gus. They will perform a thorough physical exam and will make recommendations based on their findings. I hope that gives you a place to start, and I hope Gus Gus feels better soon!

Thanks for reaching out about Rey and including photos. By the pictures, the back appears arched and would be concerns about scoliosis and pain. A veterinary visit is recommended, ASAP since not eating. Try offering food and water via a syringe, might be easier to swallow. Good luck.

It is possible there is something in the house such as a rodent or critter in the walls that she is hearing and trying to catch, especially if her behavior is at the same time/location each time. Checking for that is a good first step. Making sure to tired out Georgie may also help. If she continues to do the strange spinning and chasing, or seems disoriented, is losing balance, or has other symptoms in addition, a vet visit is best to rule out any health issues.