Mouse still scratches/overcleans after mite treatment

Question
Hello, because i entered the wrong email i cant ask a follow up question.
I also thought about the possibility of the allergies, but nemo has been eating oats since i brought him home two months ago. Should i change to maybe all rice? And see how he reacts? I have already gave some paper towels for him to keep him warm, because i dont want to put the bedding in unless im sure he is mite free.
Does it have to be revolution? Or can it be other products which are used to rid of parasites?

Answer
Dear Ella,

That would explain why it looks like the question wasn't read.

For my own reference, here is your first question:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2012/1/mouse-still-scratches-overcleans.htm

Actually, just oats is not at all a healthy diet for a mouse. I only recommend it for a few days for the allergy assessment. He should be eating a commercial mouse seed mix or mouse pellets/blocks supplemented with tastier food. In any case, maybe he is allergic to oats. Rice isn't good for little creatures to eat, but you can give him some crackers and vegetables for a few days and see how that goes, before you switch to a mouse-appropriate diet. And do you mean there is nothing but paper towels in the cage, or is there litter? Try just paper towels if that is the case. But if he is already in the hypoallergenic situation that I described and is behaving this way, then it doesn't sound like allergies. Do something more normal.

There is one other product which acts like Revolution-- goes through the skin and into the bloodstream-- but it is less popular and i don't remember the name. Again you need a prescription.

My next option would be to get some ivermectin, which works in the same way, but you will apply it differently. You are going to have to buy about enough for a horse and only use a tiny bit!  The least expensive source I found is IVER-ON Ivermectin Pour-On for Cattle at Jeffers Livestock, $19.95 (on sale) for 250 ml:

http://www.jefferslivestock.com/ssc/product.asp?CID=2&mscssid=86NED8ESF7KN9PVC6N.

DON'T USE IT STRAIGHT!!

My mouse breeder has used it on pinkies, so it is pretty gentle on the mouse. Mix one part ivermectin to 5 parts water. Cut a small piece of a sponge and wet it thoroughly. Wipe it liberally on the body of the mouse, rubbing it into the skin. Avoid the face and wounds. This will not work quite as fast, and his symptoms may even worsen for a few days as the mites bite him and die. But within a week there should be improvement, and within two weeks the problem should be completely gone.

I would still much, much prefer that you go to a vet. As I said, there might be another skin problem that needs treating.

Best of luck to Nemo. Keep me posted.

squeaks,

Natasha

PS I will refuse the other question as a repeat question.