You may have heard of a type of fly called a cuterebra, but did you know they can cause skin infections in dogs and cats? While not the most common, cuterebriasis is not unheard of here in Texas. Here’s what to do if it happens to your pet:
What is cuterebriasis?
A cuterebra is a large, non-biting fly and is considered to be a parasite. The contraction of a cuterebra can lead to a condition called cuterebriasis. While small burrowing rodents such as rabbits or squirrels are far more likely to run into cuterebriasis, any animal that spends time outside can contract it in a similar manner. Infection happens when an animal comes into contact with eggs laid by a cuterebra, either through skin/fur contact, licking/ingesting, or contact with an open wound. Infection is most common around the face or neck, though it can occur anywhere on the body. The eggs thrive in the warm environment provided by the animal’s body heat, and hatch under the skin. While the parasite does not feed off their host, they do take up residence in the animal’s body until they develop into a full-grown fly and make their exit.
What does cuterebriasis look like?
On the outside, a cuterebra living under the skin of an animal may appear as a small, draining wound or cyst. The cuterebra creates a small hole in the skin (also known as a fistula) that allows it to breathe, but it may be difficult to visualize on pets with dense fur. As you can imagine, having a small larva living under your skin can be irritating or uncomfortable, so many pets may obsessively lick or groom the area which can attract the owner's attention. As it is a foreign object to the body, some drainage may be observed. Pets with very short or fine fur may present with a raised bump where the cuterebra resides.
A cuterebra larva is usually tan or yellow in color, with an almost caterpillar- or grub-like appearance, and may be up to several centimeters long or wide, depending on how mature the larva is.
How do you get rid of a cuterebra?
Once a cuterebra has reached maturity, it will exit the animal’s body through the fistula and go on to live life as a fully-grown fly. However, most owners will notice the issue before this stage - either due to feeling the bump or noticing the pet over-grooming the area - and want the larva removed immediately - naturally!
It is extremely important to note that you should not attempt to remove a cuterebra from your pet at home. Squeezing the area in attempt to evacuate the larva (like squeezing a pimple) is not only painful, but can be toxic to your pet. If the larva ruptures under the skin, it can release harmful chemicals into your pet, causing allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, and any remaining pieces or fragments of the larva left behind can create infection. Additionally, the fistula may not be large enough to accommodate the larva, and you should never attempt to create any kind of incision on your pet at home.
To remove a cuterebra, your veterinarian will first numb the area. A small incision may need to be made around the fistula to allow the larva to be removed in one piece. Once the larva has been removed, the area will be thoroughly flushed and cleaned. If your pet has several cuterebras that need to be removed at once, or the cuterebra is located in a more delicate area such as the face or neck, your pet may need to be sedated for the removal process for their comfort and the staff’s safety. Once removed, your pet should wear an e-collar while the wound heals to keep them from licking the area and introducing bacteria while the wound heals. Keep in mind that these wounds may take a little longer to heal than normal scrapes or cuts.
Are cuterebras contagious?
Humans can contract cuterebras, but not from pets. Humans can become affected by cuterebras in a similar manner as animals, by coming into contact with eggs that then hatch. Cuterebra infection cannot be passed amongst pets, or from pets to humans.
Is cuterebriasis preventable?
There is not a monthly preventative that specifically targets cuterebras, but the good news is that cuterebras are an opportunistic parasite, meaning they aren’t actively seeking out a host, but will take on an animal host when the opportunity presents itself. Eggs are often laid on or in the ground near burrows (which is why small rodents like rabbits and squirrels are the most common hosts), which make dogs and cats that hunt small rodents more likely to come into contact. For example, if a dog sticks its face into a rabbit’s nest, they are far more likely to contract cuterebriasis than if they were just sniffing around in the grass. Keeping cats indoors greatly aids efforts in preventing cuterebriasis.
Additionally, in some cases, regular baths and grooming can help remove eggs from your pets fur before the eggs have a chance to hatch and mature. In general, regular grooming also allows you opportunities to identify changes in the skin or fur early, which makes the removal and healing process of cuterebriasis go more quickly and smoothly!
For further questions or concerns please contact your us at 972-347-6100.
Click here to schedule an appointment. https://connect.allydvm.com/practice/prosper_trail/appointment_request
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