Skin Health Question

by Nestmouse Sat 07 Jul 2018, 7:07 am

Hi! If anybody could take a moment to look at the two pictures below?

My male mouse Scott is approximately 2 years and 2 months old. (Bought in a pet shop June 2016).

There is now that one small place where his skin has those little dark spots; they feel slightly rough but not very much.
He lives, of course, alone, and can’t have been injured by any other animal.
Any ideas what this could be?
I’d be grateful for any input.

I would, of course, take him to the vet, however, as he’s old and not very strong, I worry if he survives the trip there and back (10 minute walk from my door but he might be scared).

Skin Health Question 784_E0_A7_D_85_C9_4_D02_AA98_E6_D50_F440_C7_E

Skin Health Question 784_E0_A7_D_85_C9_4_D02_AA98_E6_D50_F440_C7_E

poems by Fyodor Sologub
Skin Health Question AB73_C6_AE_0244_4204_A7_CE_7_E0_BD2_D27_F81

poems by Fyodor Sologub

I don’t know how the links to poems got under the pics, never mind those.

by MerciToujoursMaPetiteBoop Sat 07 Jul 2018, 12:51 pm

Just a few ideas, before I clock in at work --
(1) But no bleeding? Have you noticed him picking at it? If he is able to pick at it, then he is also able to have possibly caused it. Maybe an inadvertent nail gouge? I can't see what the skin looks like under the surrounding fur. not that looking at a picture of it is a wise way of trying to identify a skin ailment. Watch him for any reactions he has to it.
(2) Perhaps a parasite has gone unnoticed until now.
(3) It could be a reaction to heat/humidity out of his comfort range. At over two years, he may not be able to take what he used to.
(4) There may be an internal condition "working its way to the surface". That would be good, in that it is letting you know something is wrong, but it would be bad, in that it would mean it is spreading.
(5) Skin lesions that just appear suddenly really need a doctor's expertise.

My vote is to think out the logistics of most peacefully transporting little Scott, and get him to the doctor for a professional look-at. It might not be as traumatic for him as you fear. But just in case, ask to remain with him during examination, to avoid any kind of separation anxiety attack. For either of you.

Keep us updated.

by Nestmouse Sat 07 Jul 2018, 2:03 pm

Thank you for taking time for so many thoughts about it, I appreciate it very much! Parasites I’ve thought of, too, and even if it’s an allergy from too much protein. He loves those dried mealworms and because he’s so old now I’ve recently let him have what he wants, maybe too many.
I do have a good transport for him - also yes, I would be with him until he’s back in the house.

by CallaLily Mon 09 Jul 2018, 12:03 pm

Has he been scratching a lot? That’s what it looks like to me. Has he been treated for mites? There’s info on treatment here: https://www.petmousefanciers.com/t17-itching-hair-loss-and-parasites.

by Nestmouse Mon 09 Jul 2018, 12:12 pm

Thank you, I’m not sure if he scratches a lot more than normal although he might hav done. He hasn’t had any treatment for parasites yet but he’s going to see the vet, if necessary he’ll have treatment for that by Wednesday morning.

by Nestmouse Tue 10 Jul 2018, 6:23 pm

I found him in his nest tonight when I got home; he seemed fast asleep there, not more than that, with bits of food around him he had dragged in there since I cleaned the cage two days ago, but when I touched him he was stiff.
Scott was worn out and very fragile, I’m sure he died of his old age, not of something on his skin.
I’ll leave him by my bedside until tomorrow where he’s been since he had become the only mouse left so that he didn’t feel alone .
The way he’s lying in his nest looks like he was asleep as always and just didn’t wake up again. I have never seen a dead mouse looking so peaceful, as if he didn’t have to go through any agony. I hope it was like that.

by CallaLily Tue 10 Jul 2018, 8:12 pm

Awww I’m so sorry for your loss. He lived a great life at over 2 years and it does sound like he went peacefully. hugs

by Nestmouse Wed 11 Jul 2018, 6:43 am

Yes, I felt sorry I wasn’t at home when he went, but if he died in the daytime without coming out of his big wooden house it wouldn’t have made a difference.