Help! My Mouse is Losing Fur!

[trufflemonster]

I have a mouse that was rescued from a science experiment, she has been with me for two years, but she may be older than that since she was full-grown when I recieved her. Anyway, I noticed a while ago that she had some patches of thinning fur on her shoulders and rear flanks. I dismissed it as her just getting old since she wasn't acting sick or scratching a lot. Today when I looked a her again, these patches looks very irritated and one in particular has me worried. It's about one centimeter in diameter and there is no fur at all there. There seems to be an open wound or sore there, although I haven't caught her scratching it. Her entire coat in general is pretty tattered-looking, with little bald spots all over her. She doesn't seem to be in any sort of pain and is acting normally, but I'm worried that one of these patches could get infected. What can I do for her? What are these patches? I haven't seen any mites on her, but is there a possibility that she could have parisites? I would take her to the vet, but it's far away, and my parents refuse to pay a $50 vet bill for a $2 mouse. These patches showed up very quickly and seem to be worsening, please help!

[marmilla]

You can try calling the vet. Sometimes they will give advice over the phone. My vet is like $35 for my dog ... Try calling around to other vets to see what they charge. If you're a student, be sure to mention it. Some places give student discounts or pity discounts.

I've never had mice, but it kind of sounds like mange to me. Is the skin scaly? The vet told me that it's okay to use hydrogen peroxide on hamsters, so I'm sure it would be the same for mice. If there's a wound, I would probably try cleaning it with a q-tip with hydrogen peroxide on it. Hopefully one of our mice lovers will get on soon and have some ideas. I hope your mouse gets better.

[jessicakfifield]

she may have some sort of lice or ticks. She might not be getting enough vitamins and minerals in her diet, try feeding her alot of green vegetables and some fruits, but peel the fruits first(even if it apple or grapes)because the peel will cause diareia.ALso give her dry kitten food this will give her all the protein she will need, give a few peices of it to her in her food each day. And make sure the mouse eats it, try not giving her any other foods then this for one day, it shouldnt hurt her, the worst it could do is make her better. Please updat on how she is doing i hope she gets better