In this article, we will be discussing briefly several symptoms which can help you pinpoint a sick Lansing house mouse from the rest:
Often very similar to our own human common cold, it symptoms include:
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Lethargy
• Chills or shaking
Will often clear up all by itself but fresh food and water as well as a clean living space will help speed up the process of
recuperation.
Diarrhea
Often paired with salmonella poisoning but also be caused by:
• Stress
• Too much fresh food
• Upset stomach
• Clearing of constipation
• Found in older Michigan mice
If left to continue, dehydration can cause the mice to die.
Eye Problems
Mice are often found to have eye problems that include runny eyes, a tiny amount of discharge and occassional squinting however,
when a Lansing mouse has the following:
• Swelling
• Crusting
• White lumps
It may mean that the Michigan mouse has a serious infection which may cause blindness. There are other reasons for this such as stress or
allergies as well.
Influenza
Quite similar to the common cold that was mentioned previously however, if untreated may deem fatal much more quickly. Symptoms
such as:
• Runny eyes
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Chills or shaking
• High body temperature
• Lethargy
• Loss or lack of appetite
• Dull or pale looking coat
It is highly important that a person resist from touching a Lansing mouse with such symptoms.
Mites
Mice are very prone to contracting mites and this is because they are often found in damp dirty areas
(ex. Wood shavings). Bacteria often fester in these mites and therefore a Michigan mouse with mites should not
be handled if possible. Symptoms of mites include:
• Intense or excessive scratching
• Fur loss
• Lack or loss of appetite
• Raw, cut or scabby skin
Other behavioral symptoms to look out for are:
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Odd behavioral changes
Poisoning
Mice are very likely to get food poisoning especially salmonella. It is imperative that you do not touch
Lansing mice that have salmonella or anything within in the vicinity of the mice which they could have licked or
touched. Symptoms include:
• Diarrhea
• Chills or shaking
• Dehyddration
• Lack or loss of appetite
Respiratory Problems
Upper respiratory infections are often susceptible in Michigan mice and are quite fatal for them. This most likely
caused by:
• Inhilation of sawdust
• Dirt
• Damp places
Symptoms may include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Chills or shaking
• Lack or loss of appetite
• Watery eyes
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Hair loss
Skin Problems
Aside from mites, Lansing mice are often plagued with skin allergies. These can easily be spotted due to:
• Baldness of the skin
• Intense and/or excessive scratching
• Rubbing against items
• Redness in the skin
• Swelling
• Cluster of bumps
• Stress
• Visible discomfort
• Bleeding and/or scabby skin
• Lethargy
Tumors
In older Michigan mice, tumors may be found. These can often be seen as fatty lumps and found on the sides of the mouse and
near its back end.
Tail Problems (Kinks, Wet tail)
A kinky tail may be the cause of:
• Rough handling at a young age
• Injury
• Spinal problems
• Genetics
Though mostly harmless, it may cause some discomfort in the mouse. Wet tail on the other hand, though more likely to be found in
other Lansing rodents such as hamsters or gerbils, may cause problems for the mouse during urination and defecation. If left as is, it
may prove to be fatal.
To learn more about our services, visit the Lansing wildlife removal home page.