Mouse: skin irritation on face

Question
My male mouse has had a skin problem for a few weeks. He is loosing his fur all on his face and around his eyes. He also has scabs on his face. I am not sure if they are from him itching and scratching (which he does a lot). He has a cage mate, but he looks fine. Both are very active and still have their appetites. What could I possibly do to solve my mouse's skin problem.

Answer
Dear Auna,

The most common-- but not only-- cause for itching, scabs, and hair loss is mites.  A vet can test a skin sample to find out if it is mites or something else.  Treatment for mites won't help if it is something else like mange or ringworm.  I'm not a vet but my guess is about 80% of the time it is mites.  Vets have the best treatments for mites, and I highly recommend going to the vet.  However, you can treat for mites at home as well.  Of course if it doesn't work, you will have to go to the vet anyway.

To remove the mites, I use the small animal flea and tick spray from 8-in-1.  You should find it at a larger pet store; if not, I find it in two places on the internet:  

Petsmart:

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752081&cp=2767038.2769320&f...

PetCareRX:

http://www.petcarerx.com/pcrx/ProductPages/Product.aspx?pid=10149&k=8%20in1%20Sm...

If you can find it in a pet store (call around) that would be best, because you need it right away.  If not, have them overnight mail it or as fast as they can.  Mice get sicker fast; and  mites can kill.  I lost a very precious mouse that way. You must treat both mice, because the other has the mites though he has not shown signs of it yet.

After reading the directions carefully, shake the can well.  Hold the mouse over a bed in case it panics when it is wet.  Spray it thoroughly, making sure it is all wet (it will hate this).  Although I would use my hand, the label does say not to let it touch your skin(!).  If you don't want to get it on your hands then wear rubber gloves.  The mouse's fur should be soaked such that all of its skin is wet. Avoid any scabs and around the eyes.

Make sure the mouse is warm and absolutely dry before you return it to the cage.  The cage must be completely cleaned and rinsed and all bedding and toys must be new, with the exception of plastic items which you wash carefully or boil, or glass.  I don't recommend saving any wooden items.

The regular spray is pretty strong stuff, and some mice suffer some skin pain within a few hours, which can last perhaps 12 hours.  If the mouse squeaks when touched or even when alone in the nest, all you can do is give it your condolences.  It will feel better soon.  This only happens to some mice.  This can usually be avoided by using the half-potency BIRD version of the spray, but if it helps but doesn't solve the problem you would have to go to the regular spray anyway.  

If, after 2-3 days, this has helped, then repeat the entire procedure 7-10 days later.  This will kill off the mites which were protected inside eggs when you first sprayed.

Best of luck!

squeaks,

Natasha