How would mouse get mites?

Question
QUESTION: My mouse has bleeding sores around its neck and she doesn't look well. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you

ANSWER: Dear Peter,

Can you take her to the vet?  She sounds pretty sick, and although it might be home-treatable-- it might be mites-- it sounds serious enough that if it's something else it would be a big mistake not to have it treated right away.  

Write back if you simply can't take her to the vet and I will help out.  But she really needs professional assistance.

squeaks,

Natasha

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Probably I can but I was trying to avoid a costly vet bill if I could, but if you think you can't help me I'll have to do what I can. I was just wondering if you had any suggestions. How could he get mites if he's never outside and we don't have any other animals? I will contact a vet I just wanted to see what you had to say. Thank you

Answer
Dear Peter,

Thank you for taking her to the vet.  Mice are so fragile, they can get sick and die so easily.  Mites can kill a mouse, too.

Mice often come with mites from the pet store or anywhere.  The mites never bother them most of the time, so we don't know it.  Many mice will never suffer.  But as soon as something goes wrong-- she gets a little sick, her immune system is lowered for some reason, or she lives alone-- the mouse is no longer strong enough to fight them off and they can become a serious health problem.  

It's a little like germs. There are germs all over the place, so the latest meme about "you don't get sick from getting cold" because it is germs that make you sick, is misleading.  Actually you do-- because the germs are always there.  The cold lowers your resistance so that the germs can invade your system.  That's how you get sick.

Mites can also come from bedding-- wood chips or hay.  Or from unintended contact with wild mice, such as if the cage has bars.  It's a very common problem.  Some people freeze all supplies for 24 hours to kill mites.

Please feel free to ask more questions!

squeaks n giggles,

Natasha