Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have noticed that many of my mice have started getting patches of missing fur, esp. around the face and I believe they have some form of mites (fur mites). Neither I nor my cats have been itching thankfully. What is the best way to treat several colonies of mice and rats that is least harmful?
Also, what is the best way to de-worm many rodents?

Thanks for any advice.

>>I have noticed that many of my mice have started getting patches of missing fur, esp. around the face and I believe they have some form of mites (fur mites). Neither I nor my cats have been itching thankfully. What is the best way to treat several colonies of mice and rats that is least harmful?
>>Also, what is the best way to de-worm many rodents?
>>
>>Thanks for any advice.

When I suspect bugs on my rodents I treat them with Ovitrol Plus Flea Spray. Comes from the vet and works for rodents and rabbits as well as puppies and kittens. Might want to spritz your bedding too as they often start there.

Some will tell you ivermectin but it is a toxic drug and has not antidote if overdosed. My vet does NOT recommend it for rats/mice. Some people I have heard dose with it "by eye" (blah blah size dot per rat)
I have never wormed my rodents nor found need to do so.
-----
Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

First I would have a stool sample examined to correctly diagnose the parasite. If you have alot of rodents you can do a general deworming with panacur dosing per weight, this will take care of pinworms(most common rodent parasite) as well as a few others.

As for the mites, yes with the improper dose ivermectin is toxic. But a very safe and effective way is to use a cousin named selamectin. The trade name is Revolution, a heartworm prevention for dogs and cats. You'll want to use the puppy/kitten size (mauze colored box), one drop on each small rodents (i.e. mice), 2 drops on larger rodents (i.e. rats) every 21 days for 3 treatments. Selamectin has a high margin of safety and is very effective in treating mites. Hope this helps, good luck!
-----
Miami Hurricanes #1
NATIONAL CHAMPS 83,87,89,91,01

>>First I would have a stool sample examined to correctly diagnose the parasite. If you have alot of rodents you can do a general deworming with panacur dosing per weight, this will take care of pinworms(most common rodent parasite) as well as a few others.
>>
>>As for the mites, yes with the improper dose ivermectin is toxic. But a very safe and effective way is to use a cousin named selamectin. The trade name is Revolution, a heartworm prevention for dogs and cats. You'll want to use the puppy/kitten size (mauze colored box), one drop on each small rodents (i.e. mice), 2 drops on larger rodents (i.e. rats) every 21 days for 3 treatments. Selamectin has a high margin of safety and is very effective in treating mites. Hope this helps, good luck!
>>-----
>>Miami Hurricanes #1
>>NATIONAL CHAMPS 83,87,89,91,01

My concern would be residual if you are feeding off rodents. How long after a dose of Revolution are you gonna be safe feeding them off? I would be very careful.
-----
Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

30-45 days, the latter if you have a ivermectin sensitive snake. I have an indigo of which ivermectin is toxic to and have had no problems. I treated my breeding pairs before they started breeding, that way you don't have to treat a whole herd.
-----
Miami Hurricanes #1
NATIONAL CHAMPS 83,87,89,91,01