fat mouse, hair loss

Question
"I have a Female Albino Mouse I have her in a cage with another mouse who is a brown mouse. They have always been on the same cage and are both definatly Female.  My Albino mouse is losing hair especially around her neck and face and has become very fat too. She has gotten so fat she is finding it difficult to walk around the cage I have for her. The cage she is in is more then big enough for the pair of them and they both have a diet of foods that are specially for mice and rats. They have paper bedding in there house and soft sawdust around the cage. They are cleaned out regular and the cage is disinfected and cleaned out thoroughly on a regular basis. They get the odd mouse treat now and again but not alot. They are usually very active and Jump around all the time. They are about 6 months old and get played with regular by myself. Anything yopu can suggest will be appreciated thanks.  Ian"

Answer
Hi;

Although some mice just get fat due to genetic factors, another *very* rare reason to get fat is an internal tumor. Since there isn't anything to be done about that, it's best to assume she is just a fat mouse, but to watch for signs of discomfort or illness. I have had just one confirmed, and one possible, case of stomach tumor in 37 years, and in both cases the mouse did not seem to suffer at all. If she eats well, NO sugars (some treats sold for pets are terrible; no yogurt treats, for example), no nuts or cheese, and runs in the wheel, she is probably healthy and very fat. I'm sorry she has trouble moving around. Poor little thing.

Of course a vet knows more than me, and perhaps there are other reasons for a fat mouse...

The fur loss is more serious. This could be several things. The most common reason reason is mites. The best thing is to take her to the vet. Not only can the vet diagnose her, s/he also has far better, more effective, easier, and less unpleasant ways to treat for mites than what you can probably get over the counter. Also, s/he can examine the mouse's size and perhaps lay your fears to rest, or diagnose an issue.

Here are instructions for what to do for mites if you can't get to the vet. Again, it could be something else, like mange, which the vet can identify and treat. If the spray doesn't help at all, you will need to find another avenue.

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Mice-3824/2009/2/Mouse-mites.htm

I wish her the very best. Write back to let me know what happens-- especially if the vet knows more about fat mice than I do. I really appreciate the opportunity to learn and it is a way for you to give back : ))

squeaks,

Natasha
<:3  )-~