mouse allergies:

Question
Hello,

I recently acquired a pair of mice from a pet store nearly two weeks ago. One of them just started to sneeze quite a lot, and has a bit of a squeak to her voice. From looking over past questions asked, I believe it to be an allergy of some kind. She doesn't seem ill other than the sneezing and being a little more sleepy than usual. Plus her nest mate is quite healthy.

*I was wondering if you knew the most common mouse allergies, so I know where to start removing things from her diet/cage.

For bedding I use Natural Critter Care, and for nesting I offer fluff from the Kapok Tree, newspaper strips, and bits of peacock feathers. I am thinking that one of these could be a culprit of the sneezing, since it seems to be a respiratory issue. but perhaps it is a food allergy?

What are your thoughts on where to start?

(also, thank you so much for your time! I truly appreciate it!)

-Kourtney

Answer
Dear Kourtney,

Sneezing, though it is often allergy, is far more often illness. Mice carry a bacteria called myco, but it doesn't usually affect them. However, there are many factors which can cause it to flare up at any time. And it does not have to show up in each cage mate at the same time.

My advice is to take her to the vet for some effective antibiotics, before she can get sicker. If she gets sicker it is also more likely that the other mouse will become ill as well. Your vet will probably prescribe Baytril and/or Amoxicillin.

The most common food allergens for mice are corn, sunflower seeds, nuts, and soy. The common non food allergies are to any bedding. Instead of taking each thing away as a test, if you really want to test effectively you take everything away and put her in a water-washed (no soap) cage with paper towels and only oats to eat. Assuming the sneezing stops, you then add an item back once every other day.

But it is more likely that she is sick; and I would hate you to waste time and let her get sicker. It is up to you.

Best of luck and health to her.

Squeaks,

Natasha