Rabbit-Mites?

Question
One of my rabbits has just recently died of cist on his spine :( Now my other rabbit (his brother, they lived together) has white flakes all down his spine, they look a bit like dandruff, but when you comb the fur large clumps appear to be stuck to the skin. I've heard these are symptoms of fur mites but I'm not entirely sure. We are really worried that he passes them on to us or our home, and we have a cat who likes to chase him :) Can you help with diagnosis and treatement? We will take him to a vet if need be, but if it is cheaper or easier to buy a safe treatement we will take it.
Thanks again, please answer A.S.A.P!
-Caitlyn

Answer
Dear Caitlyn,

Yes, this does sound like fur mites.  The stress of losing his brother might have triggered symptoms of the parasites that were already there.  And don't assume the bunny was the first one to get them.  The cat may already have them, but has an immune system strong enough (and grooming constantly) to keep them under control.

Cheyletiella will live on other species, but not usually healthy individuals.  They are best treated with Stronghold (selamectin) from your veterinarian.  Other remedies are not effective, and often not safe.  Please find a rabbit vet here:

http://www.rabbit.org/vets

and also read:

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/furloss.html

I hope this helps.

Dana