tail eating away, and generally sick

Question
My mouse's tail is eating away. I was hoping it was just due to the fact we got her a little male friend, and they got a little rough playing. But there's about two inches off the end that look dead now. Also her ears are red and look chewed at the end and she looks generally disheveled. What is going on and what can I do? I don't think they are fighting, but I see her scratching herself a lot.-christy

Answer
Dear Christy,

Your mouse sounds extremely sick, and the best thing to do would be to take her to a vet.  Make sure you find a vet who either specializes in small furry pets or exotic animals.  Vet trips for mice are just as expensive as for larger animals, so be prepared.  

If you simply can't take her to a vet, my best guess, and a vet would be able to tell you this right away with a skin test, but my best bet is she has a horrible case of mites.  That may not be her only problem, for the tail atrophy is very unusual.  But certainly if you don't see a vet, she must be treated for mites.  

To remove the mites, I use the flea and tick spray from 8-in-1. You must treat all mice.

After reading the directions carefully, shake the can well.  Spray the mice from a few inches away and rub the liquid in until all of the fur is soaked.  Do this over a bed or with someone holding onto their tails, because a wet mouse can jump.   Although I use my hands, the label does say not to let it touch your skin.  If you don't want to get it on your hands then put rubber gloves on and use a small sponge, which you very liberally cover with the liquid spray, and rub it all over the mouse's fur and any clean, bald skin.

Make sure they are warm and absolutely dry before you return them 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 spray is pretty strong stuff, and some mice suffer some skin pain within a few hours, which can last perhaps 12 hours.  If one of the mice 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.   It's definitely no reason not to treat the mice, though.

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.

I give you these instructions only for the case in which you can't take the mouse to a vet.  If at all possible, this mouse needs professional attention.  I wish her a speedy recovery!

squeaks,

Natasha