Bumps

Question
Hi Natasha my mouse is  a mated,female and is over a year now. Over the past 2 weeks she has gotten these tiny red bumps that started out as only a few. Recently i noticed they were spreading to her head and a down her back. She constantly scratches it and when ever i pet her in those areas she flinches abnormally. (No she is not allergic to peanuts and sunflowers either). I was wondering what she had and how to get rid of or avoid it? Thanks!
-Emma :)

Answer
Hi Emma,

Unfortunately, Natasha is on vacation at the moment, so I'm going to try and answer your question.  :)

Bumps usually mean allergies, ringworm, or mites, although there are a couple of less common causes that your vet might be able to point out better.  If nothing has recently changed, and you said she isn't allergic to her foods, then it probably isn't allergies.  Keep in mind that they can sometimes be allergic to their type of bedding, too, so if you've changed that recently it could be a cause.  Ringworm is red as well but usually shows up in a circle shape.  If she does have rings or if you think this might be ringworm, you can treat her with a topical antifungal medication or you can go to your vet and get an oral medicine to treat it.  Ringworm is contagious to people, so if you think it's ringworm, handle her with careful attention to sanitation.

Otherwise, I would suspect mites.  Mites are tiny bugs that prefer the ear, head, and shoulder area of a mouse and cause lots of itchiness, redness, and fur loss.  They can sometimes come in on bedding, so freezing your bedding for 24 hours before using it can make sure they don't survive.  Luckily, they are easily treatable once your mouse has them.  Your pet store or farm supply should have flea and mite spray for fairly inexpensive - get the avian (bird) kind if you can, since it's mildest and that skin will already be very sensitive.  You will also need a pair of latex or nylon gloves if you have sensitive skin.

First remove her from her cage and clean it all out very thoroughly with bleach diluted with lots of water.  Toss any toys that can't be cleaned, throw out any old food, and scrub down all of her other toys, food bowls, or cage decorations.  Be sure to remove ALL traces of bleach.  Do not use any bleach on the water bottle, but do rinse it thoroughly.

Next, once the cage is dried, reassembled, and has fresh, clean bedding and food, put your mouse in the bathtub or sink (with the drain plugged).  You will need to block her eyes and spray from her back at least 12 inches away, following the instructions on the bottle if it says differently.  Just a few squirts should do it, then use your fingers to rub it gently into her coat and skin.  Keep it out of her eyes and away from her mouth.  She might be cold after getting sprayed so thoroughly, so hold her in a towel until she is dry enough to go back to her cage.  Treat anybody she lives with, and repeat the whole process 10 days later to get any mites that were eggs at the time.  Remember to wash your hands after you handle her to keep from giving them right back.  :)

Hope she feels less itchy soon!  :)
-Tam