Micky the mouse has world's smallest leg amputation after getting hit by wheelie bin

Mickey the mouse is on the road to recovery - after undergoing the world’s smallest amputation.

The tiny rodent got run over by a wheelie bin and sustained serious injuries meaning he had to go under the knife.

Debra Tuck, who was putting her bin out when the collision happened, took Mickey to Westway Veterinary Group surgery in Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham.

Despite chances he wouldn't survive they proceeded with complicated surgery to remove his crushed leg.

Westway Director and senior vet Jason Atherton authorised a delicate operation that saw vet Catriona Redman remove Mickey's front limb.

Vets were astounded by Mickey's recovery and now he’s showing no signs of slowing down.

Debra and husband Gary decided to adopt the tiny mouse, who now lives with them at their home in Seaham, Durham.

Admin worker Debra 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.

'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.

'He has thrived ever since and is so full of character, with the brightest eyes and the loveliest coat.'

Vet Jason 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.

'When he came in I said I would fix him if it was possible to do so. He wouldn't have been able to be released back into the wild but I agreed to amputate if Debra was prepared to keep him as a pet.

'Removing the leg is relatively easy, it's just a bit fiddly, and because Mickey was so young, he has adapted to life as a pet.'