Possible mites

Question
Hi

I wanted to know if you think this sounds like mites.

One of my mice has two little patches on her lower back with a couple of scabs in each. The hair in the area is slightly thinning so I can see the skin if the hair is pushed back. In bright light on the skin there appears to be tiny white specks (eggs?). The mouse which lives with her has a small patch of fur missing near her eye and seems to have been scratching her ear because a tiny part is missing. Her skin seems to be redder than usual.

My plan, if you think they sound like mites, is to get a small animal mite spray and if that doesn't help after about 3 days then I will take them to the vet. Is there any kind of topical treatment to help with irritation? I applied betadine around the areas with the scabs to help prevent infection. Obviously if they get worse I will take them to the vet.

Thank you

Answer
Dear Alice,

Because mites are usually invisible to most people's eyes when they are on the mouse, you might have another parasite. It doesn't matter, though; the treatment is the same. In any case there is no doubt as to what the problem is.

In the following post, the questioner had the exact same question as you. You will read that the vet's procedure is far easier on the mouse, and far easier for you.

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

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Squeaks,

Natasha