Common health problems in mice

A good diet, a clean environment and lots of exercise will help keep your mice in tip-top condition throughout their lives. But if any of these needs are not fully met, your sensitive little guys can become ill. Knowing what to look out for can help you to help your pets should a problem arise. Below is a list of common health isues mice face.

Allergies

It's not at all uncommon for mice to suffer from allergies. Symptoms include:

• Red, irritated eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Dry, rashy skin

You may need to do a little sleuthing to determine the culprit. In some cases, the bedding in the cage may be the problem; try another brand and try to stay away from sawdust and hay. Ammonia from your pet's urine can also set off allergic symptoms, so be sure to clean the cage more often.

Allergies can also manifest themselves in dry, rashy, scaly skin. This condition is usually triggered by a food allergy, and is often accompanied by diarrhea. Again, you'll need to figure out what food your pet is sensitive to. Some mice do not tolerate wheat, and many owners have found that fruits and green veggies such as lettuce, kale and broccoli are problematic. Your first move is to eliminate the suspected food. If you've correctly identified the troublemaking substance, you should notice improvement in a couple of days.

Skin problems, including lice

Skin conditions are also the most obvious symptoms of external parasites. These unwelcome visitors have bugged many a mouse. Lice tend to hang out on areas of the body where a mouse cannot reach – behind the ears or on the neck, for example. If you look closely at an animal infested with lice, you can see tiny dark spots moving on the skin. A trip to the veterinarian is in order to clear up the infestation, and you'll have to treat not only the affected individuals, but the cage and surrounding area, too.

Internal parasites, including worms

Mice can get internal parasites, which can be fatal if left untreated. Animals infested with worms will have a coarse, dull coat, and will lose weight despite eating an adequate amount of food. Prevention is the key here, so it's smart to talk to your pets' veterinarian about regular worming.

Repiratory problems

Like rats, mice are prone to respiratory problems, ranging in severity from the common cold to the serious mycoplasma pneoumonia. Symptoms of the latter disease include:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• A red, runny nose
• Lethargy
• Labored breathing
• Rattling in the chest

Unless the disease is extremely advanced, yet can be controlled with antibiotics. Please note that respiratory illnesses are highly contagious, so you'll need to quarantine the infected individual from the rest of the community until he or she is better.

Tumors

As they get older, mice are particularly prone to developing tumors. It's smart to regularly check your pets for lumps. If you find anything, have it checked by a veterinarian.

As a rule of thumb, don't wait until a regularly scheduled check-up to consult the vet if your pets exhibit any unusual symptoms. If you think one of your mice is sick, seek medical attention immediately.