excessive scratching

Question
My mouse has scratched the hair off most of her face, and all of it around her eyes has been scratched away.  She now has trouble even blinking because the skin is so red and tender.  She has just developed another itchy patch on the nape of her neck. I am unable to get her to the vet for the next few weeks, but it looks so painful!  Is there any way I could begin trying to heal her at home?  Her companion is fine and seems to be completely healthy.

Answer
Hi Kelsey,

There are a few things that can make mice itchy around the face, neck, and ears, but the first that comes to mind is mites.  Mites are tiny bugs that can come in on the bedding or toys, or even may already be there but just weren't a problem until they became too many.  You can treat them with a mite spray available at your local pet store - I use 8-in-1 avian mite spray, because it is more gentle than the rodent version (and it doesn't feel very nice anyways!).

Once you track down the spray, follow the instructions on the bottle and remember to shake it very well first.  Keep it out of her eyes, and don't worry about spraying the affected areas so much as getting as much of the coat as you can.  The medication will be absorbed through the skin.  Let her dry completely before putting her down, so you can keep her from licking it all off.  Treat her companion, too, just in case.

You also need to clean out the entire cage and bedding, and wash all parts in warm, soapy water.  Wash all toys, too, and throw out any disposable ones that may harbor extra mites.  If you get the chance, freeze the bedding you want to use 24 hours in advance and then let it thaw out - this will kill any bugs that might be riding in on it.

Repeat the whole deal 10 days later, or however much later the instructions say.  If this doesn't work there are other things that can cause itchiness, and a vet visit in several days if her skin doesn't clear up may be well worth it.  In the meantime, dab a little betadine (available in your local pharmacy or general store, dilute with warm water to the color of tea) on any open wounds from scratching once or twice a day to keep out infections and then wipe it off again.  Betadine is just a form of iodine, so it's safe for her to lick if you miss a little.  I'd still keep it out of her eyes, though.

Best of luck, and I hope she feels less itchy soon!
-Tam