lice or mites?

Question
I have an older female rat about 2 years and she has already been getting weak I know she hasn't been feeling well and it won't be long before her time comes her litter mate just died a few days ago. However, today when I went to check on her she has brownish reddish flakes all over her that I did not see yesterday. They are definately moving, and I am pretty sure whatever it is is attacking her because she is weak and her immune system is low. I'm not sure exactly what it is or what I should do considering her already very weak state. Most of all I just want her to be comfortable. Also when I held her whatever was on seemed to cling to me I had to shower immediately and I'm also afraid because I also have 2 dogs and if whatever this is is not species specific then I may have a much bigger problem.

Thank you
Taryn

Answer
They are mites, for sure, but no matter what they are, (lice or mites) I promise they are species specific.  They may crawl on you but they do not survive on us. In fact they dont live on the rat either but instead, they burrow in the cage, usually in litter or wood products, even hammocks etc and get on the rat to feed.  She needs revolution or ivermect used topically. Never let the vet inject ivermect when they are sick.  You are right to assume that the bugs are showing up due to her weakened state. When the immune system is weak, they tend to come out of the blue.

You can use kitten revolution purchased at the vet. They should sell it to you, no problem.