MICKEY the three-legged mouse is still going strong thanks to the expertise of North-East vets – three years after having a limb amputated when he was run over by a wheelie bin.

Mickey came to grief when Debra Tuck of Seaham, Count Durham, accidentally hit him while putting out her bin.

The mouse was taken to Westway Veterinary Group surgery in nearby Houghton-le-Spring, where director and senior vet Jason Atherton authorised the delicate operation carried out by vet Catriona Redman, to remove Mickey's front leg.

Mrs Tuck said: "My husband and I love wildlife and we wouldn't hurt a fly so we couldn't have left a tiny injured mouse to die outside in the freezing cold.

"Even though I'm petrified of mice, I was mortified when I saw that I'd hurt him and there was blood coming from his leg.

"It was late at night so we brought him into the house and put him into a cardboard box, but thought he might die of shock overnight.

 

"We took him to the vet the next morning and told them we would keep him if there was anything they could do.

"Jason thought he might not come through the operation, but then I got a call saying he had pulled through and I was so relieved.”

She added: "He has thrived ever since and is so full of character, with the brightest eyes and the loveliest coat.”

Mr Atherton said: "His chances of survival where slim so we had to think carefully before authorising major surgery on such small animal.

“That decision has certainly proved right as mouse and owner so happy.

"I was really surprised when I received the update last year saying that Mickey was well and even more surprised this year because he is living far longer than we ever expected.”

He added: "We treat wildlife as best we can through the Stray Fund unless they are suffering when euthanasia might be necessary.

"No creature gets turned away and over the years we've treated kestrels, swans and other wild birds."

The cost of treatment, drugs, food and accommodation is paid for by the fundraising efforts of vets of Westway branches across the region, where donations are accepted.