problem with mice

Question
I have 2 female fancy mice. One was scarlett, the old one and the other lola, the young one. they have been together for 3 months. When i was preparing to clean the cage, i took lola out first and where the fur was gone,she had kinda scab-looking injuries and the bottom of her right ear was red. Lately lola has been climbing the wire cage and i think she fell down but I'm not sure. Scarlett however a couple days ago, she looked fine for a old mouse and the same time as i noticed lola, i noticed that she was kinda thin looking, which was unusual for scarlett.I need help with both I'm a new owner of mice.

Answer
Dear Iliana,

Many apologies; I overlooked the notification for your question.


Your mice should both go to the vet. It is likely that  Lola has scabs due to scratching because of mites or allergies, but there are other causes as well, which the vet can identify; also, the treatment that the vet has for the mites is far more effective and far less unpleasant for the mouse than what you can do at home. Scarlett should go too, at least to keep Lola company, but also to be looked at to make sure her thinness is due to old age and not sickness; and to be treated for mites too, if necessary.

If you just can't get to a vet, the following posts of mine deal with various information about treating mice with fur loss:


If you want to try treating for mites at home, read the following two answers:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2008/10/red-skin-hair-loss.htm

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2011/12/procedure-mouse-mites-spraying.htm


If you want to test for allergies, read this post:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2012/4/mouse-scratching-watery-eyes.htm


I apologize for sending you to links instead of writing it all out, but as you can see, there is a lot of information involved with a mouse with fur loss, and I would rather get you an answer quickly (since you already waited a day and a half) than make it pretty!!!


Why do you think Lola may have fallen? Mice can get hurt falling from a short distance, especially as they age; is she in a tall cage that she is too old to climb safely? If you think a mouse has fallen, you need to feel her gently to see if she seems to be in pain; and to watch her behavior during the next few days, rushing her to the vet if anything changes.


If you have any other questions let me know!

squeaks,

Natasha