https://www.chewy.com/education/small-pet/rat-and-mouse/one-mouse-health-problem-you-cant-ignore
*Smart, social, and surprisingly affectionate - rats and mice make wonderful pets. The Pet Rat & Mouse Education Hub explores habitat ideas, feeding, enrichment, and bonding tips to help you create the best home for your tiny companions.
Mice are popular small pets known for being gentle, low maintenance, and easy to house. They are omnivores with well established dietary needs, typically met through quality rodent pellets and occasional treats.
While generally healthy, pet mice are prone to two common health issues: skin problems and mammary tumors. Skin conditions often result from fur mites, which are typically spread through contact with infested mice or bedding. Symptoms include patchy hair loss, oily fur, itching, and skin damage. Mites can be diagnosed by a vet and treated with medications.
Mice can also contract ringworm, a fungal infection that causes crusty, red hairless patches. It is less itchy in mice but can spread to humans, making early diagnosis important.
Behavioral issues like barbering - where a dominant mouse chews off the fur and whiskers of others - are also common in group housing and can be stress related.
Mammary tumors, often malignant, are another serious health concern. These tumors are difficult to remove and frequently return, with limited treatment options like surgery and no standard chemotherapy for mice.
Chewy editorial team highlights these common health issues to help pet parents recognize symptoms early and provide proper care so pet parents can better understand what to watch for and how to care for their furry companions.
