The mouse with the mystery itch

by caralineaf Wed 29 Apr 2020, 6:55 pm

Hello all. I am a first time mouse owner, and have recently adopted a 1 year old mouse named Peanut. When I adopted her, they notified me that she does seem to have some kind of itching problem, and they don’t know what’s causing it. They did tell me that she has been treated for mites and lice, but her condition did not improve.

I have read the guide here and noticed her itching is in the “hot spots” for mice with food allergies/compulsive scratching. She currently has scabs on her ears and a small one between her shoulders.

Here is a few pictures of Peanut
https://imgur.com/a/ezNLpnQ

Here are my questions;

I read here that a rice diet might clear up her scabs and can help pinpoint if food is causing her issues. My problem is that she won’t eat the rice I’m giving her. Does it have to be a specific type of rice? I only have white rice on hand. How do I get her to eat the rice?

Another question, if this turns out to be a compulsive issue, how can I treat her wounds to ensure they don’t get infected, and what are some of the best ways to distract her so she feels less of a need to scratch?

Finally, if the rice diet doesn’t clear up her issues, I plan on treating for mites just to ensure that isn’t the problem. I was only able to find oral ivermectin paste, which I have read is not ideal for mice. Is there any way to use this as a topical treatment for both her and to spray her cage with?

I apologize if these are naive questions, this is my first time owning a mouse and I want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to give her a happy and comfortable life. Thank you!

by AmyLynn Sat 02 May 2020, 5:33 pm

Obviously a trip to the vet would be best. However, if that is not an option right now I can make a few suggestions that my vet has suggested in the past. You can try using Vetericyn wound care. I prefer the gel. My vet has me use it for itching and wounds not caused by mites for mice that simply have turned it into a habit. It is safe to use long term daily.
thttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B003OF8NNY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_igFREb2DA6TJ7
It doesn't treat for mites or lice! If the rice diet is not working try cutting common food allergies like corn, wheat, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. My vet always likes to use oats, rice crispies, pumpkin seeds, blue berries, and fresh peas. Careful not to give too much fruit a day. I stick with one blue berry a day and a few peas twice a. Day with the dry stuff available all the time. It can take a long time to see improvement...days or even up to 2 weeks. However if it gets worse really you should seek the advice of a vet before the poor guy looses an ear or gets an infection.

by AmyLynn Sat 02 May 2020, 5:52 pm

Oh...I almost forgot. Your bedding can also be a culprit. Choose a bedding with out added stuff in it. If you can't find one use shredded papper towels. Skip wood bedding since it can cause issues for some mice.

by MerciToujoursMaPetiteBoop Sun 03 May 2020, 1:01 pm

See if Peanut will eat rice baby porridge. For variety it can be jazzed up with other allergy-safe add-ins, like a little fruit or vegetable juice/puree.

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