Does your mouse have rash?

1. Ailments
2. Disorders
3. Parasites
4. Tooth Problems
5. Skin Problems
6. Sendai Virus

Have you ever seen rash on a mouse? Mice can be allergic, too. In this article I will tell you about some rashes, funguses and other skin problems I have encountered.

Wheat Allergy

Some mice simply do not tolerate wheat. Other corn/grain are usually tolerated, but I have seen a couple of individuals who have become intolerant of other corn/grains as well. Allergy towards wheat may be inherited, so it is better not to use a mouse suffering from it to breeding.

Most common symptoms are loss of general condition, diarrhea and rash, which is scaly. The skin looks very dry and you can also see symptoms on the feet and the tail. First aid is changing the diet and grease the dry areas of skin. Vaseline or other unscented basic cream suitable for allergic people will do well.

Nickel Allergy

Allergy towards nickel can also be inherited. Symptom is rash. Usually it is seen first on the feet, tail and nose.

If your mouse is allergic towards nickel, you should remove everything metal from the mouse's abode. If the mouse is living in a cage, it should be moved to a plastic terrarium (glass tanks usually have metal screen tops). Note that a mouse that has nickel allergy, cannot have a water drinking bottle - you have to provide it with a water bowl (that is, if you do not manage to find a thoroughly plastic or glass water bottle).

Fungus

Mouse can get fungus from for example other mice or through damaged skin, if it hasn't been treated. Discharge releasing, scaly fungus is usually seen on and around the ears, in the neck and on the front feet.

If you suspect a fungus infection, you should act quickly. Contact your vet immediately. Fungus infections can also be very hard to get rid of and the treatment takes a long time. Furthermore, they are painful for the mouse. Scratching reaction caused by itching may cause the ears to become totally torn. If it seems like the mouse does not get better in spite of treatment, you should consider putting an end to its suffering - putting the mouse to sleep. Treatment is prescription medicine available from vets. If the infection is very bad, your mouse will also get antibiotics. Treatment may take several months.

Severed Skin

You should always treat severed skin immediately because the possibility of getting an infection or fungus is at its greatest. Use non-smarting disinfectant to clean the area or powder / cream designed for sores. If the skin is badly infected, get antibiotics for the mouse.

Always separate a sick mouse from the others in order to avoid the disease spreading to others. Handle the sick mouse last and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. If you do not know what is wrong with your mouse, take it to the vet. An experienced breeder can also recognize the disease, but only a vet can write a prescription for medicines.

The skin problems I have mentioned are only examples - others do exist but these are the most common ones. Always check your mice for ectoparasites, because they can cause the mouse to scratch its skin to sores.

You should not get scared because of these instructions. You should only remember to check your mouse's condition daily and take good care of its skin. Seed mixes are as such inadequate for your mice and because of that many fanciers feed their mice so called lab blocks. When the mice get use to eating lab blocks, you can give seeds as treats every now and then. Getting your mice to get used to new diet may be tricky business, but experienced breeders will give you advice if there are any problems. Do not hesitate to contact for example breeding counselor (if your local club has one). S/he is glad to help you with your questions.

On to part six - Sendai virus.

Text by: Carita Gunnar - Haisulit 4/95