Mouse missing fur around nose?

September · 02-06-2013, 07:21 AM

When I got my mouse Yankee out for cuddles yesterday, I noticed he was missing fur around his nose, and that the skin there was kinda red. I'm wondering if anyone knows what this could be?

I don't have a vet, as the last one I took him to dropped him -_- and no other vet in the nearest cities would see a mouse.

racinghamster · 02-06-2013, 08:11 AM

Hi September. I doubt a vet would know either as many don`t come across mouse patients and can be a bit useless when it comes to treating mice! If the skin is very red or Mous has been scratching at it, you could wipe the area gently using a cotton pad/ball and simple saline (one pint boiled cooled water to one teapoon of salt) and allow the salt to melt. This is gentle and won`t sting or irritate.

Is he scratching around his face and neck area at all? Do you see any small scabs or cuts anywhere else on him? If he is, then I would look for a `safe` over the counter spot-on mite treatment, but your in the US so I can`t advise on what`s available over there for treating suspected mites.

I will say though if you do ever treat a mouse for mites, don`t use any spot-on`s for larger animals like rabbits or guinea pigs as they are too strong.

He`s possibly just allergic to something but if he`s fine otherwise, I wouldn`t worry too much. His behaviour will tell you if he`s scratching too much.

souffle · 02-06-2013, 08:58 AM

I know mice can suffer respiratory infections so maybe he is scratching the nose because it is sore.
Have you asked on a specialised mouse forum as they may be able to advise and even suggest vets who specialise in exotics?

racinghamster · 02-07-2013, 02:23 AM

In the US there is the Fun Mouse forum, or here in the UK, Micearenice forum.

souffle is right, mice do suffer frequently from respiratory issues so if he`s been sneezing or making audible noises, some Baytril wouldn`t go wrong for a few weeks. But if his breathing is fine and it`s mostly hair loss around his nose area, it could be allergy or mites.

HollyHamster · 02-07-2013, 11:11 PM

Is he housed in a cage by himself? If you didn't already know, male fancy mice are highly territorial and need to be housed by themselves, or they will fight. I am sure you already knew that though, so this couldn't be a factor.

Anyways, could he be chewing something and gotten his nose all irritated in the process? Check the cage over for anything that you think might be the reason for the irritation. If you can't see anything to be concerned over, then it could very well be mites.

September · 02-08-2013, 08:42 AM

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you :P

Yes, he lives alone, and it's only his nose that's red/missing fur, and I haven't seen him scratching that much, though he does bathe alot. And his breathing is nice and quiet

I was thinking it might be mites. I'll look for some medicine, and start baking his bedding. Maybe that will help. Thanks