raw, itchy, bald patches, ear gone

Question
I have a mouse named Spot that I've had for a long time (probably 6 months to a year, I don't really remember).  A couple months ago Spot had this huge bald, red and raw spot on her neck.  I took her to a vet but he couldn't help.  He didn't seem to know anything about mice (yet I had to pay the fee anyway).  This "rash" had since spread to her leg.

Something related that happened is that the inside of her ear turned really red, then it started curling, then it turned into tatters like she was scratching it too hard, and now she doesn't have a right ear anymore.  Her head tilts to the side slightly and she scratched her neck and ear a lot.

I know I can't make her ear grow back, but do you know a way I could make her skin clear up?  I've put Cortizone on it before, but it didn't work and it was hard because she's a teensy bit skittish and very small.  I just want to know how I can make her more comfortable and make her better.

Answer
Dear Jade,

I'm afraid little Spot is in a serious condition and really needs to go to a vet who is responsible and experienced in little creatures such as hamsters and gerbils.  Often mice go under the category "Exotic species" and a veterinary practice might have one vet who does this.  I'm sorry the one you saw was so inexperienced and I hope he didn't charge too much (I paid $200 for a mouse vet visit once... yikes!).  

A vet can examine the skin peeling of the mouse under a microscope to see what the ailment is.  It could be mites or lice or fleas or a fungus such as ringworm.  The vet is likely to prescribe ivermectin, which can be dosed in various ways.  Here is a bit of information about veterinary medicines:  

http://www.rmca.org/Articles/bugs.htm

Here are two other sites with tons of information about both vet-prescribed and home remedies for skin problems.  One mentions aloe vera:  You should get this from a plant if possible (lots of people have aloe vera plants or you could beg just one leaf from your florist).  

http://www.fancymice.info/medicine.htm

http://thefunmouse.com/info/hair-loss.cfm

The second site also has a forum where you can ask other mouse owners what their experience is, but it's pretty hit-or-miss and it's hard to know who knows what they are talking about.

I hope Spot gets better soon.. she ought to have another year in her.

squeaks,

Natasha