My mouse has a lump in its cheek. Is it food or a health concern?

Question

Hi there, I have two pet mice. I think one has a large pellet of food stuck in her cheek... I've never seen either of our mice collect/ hoard food in the cheeks before. I also thought this was more something a hamster can and will do... is she in trouble? Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | unspayed

Bobbi Musgrove, DVM · Accepted Answer

You are right in thinking this is unusual for a mouse. It is possible for food to get caught in the space between the chewing teeth and the cheek. Sometimes this happens if the there is dental disease, particularly a malocclusion of the teeth. It is possible for the food pellet to be too dry and that is why it could be lodged/stuck there. Lastly, there could be tissue swelling, such as a dental abscess that is at this location and it is not food at all. If your mouse will let you safely look in the mouth using a q-tip or a popsicle stick, I would start there. You may need a flashlight to help you be able to see as well. If this causes Nutmeg to stop eating, traumatize the skin around the mouth and become lethargic, then I recommend having her examined by your veterinarian.

My mouse has a lump in its cheek. Is it food or a health concern?

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