VET APPROVED
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Kim Podlecki
DVM (Veterinarian)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
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You may have heard of Cuterebra or seen intriguing videos about them online. But do you know what Cuterebra is? What exactly is happening when a veterinarian removes these from an animal’s skin? Cuterebra are insects that can infect dogs. Keep reading to learn more about Cuterebra, its causes, and signs your dog may be affected.
What is a Cuterebra?
Cuterebra is a genus of North American bot flies. These flies do not bite but lay eggs that hatch upon contact with an animal, like a dog. The larvae extracted from your pet’s tissues are the visible stage of this process.
These flies are specific to certain animals, including dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and sheep. Dog and cat Cuterebra typically come from rodent or rabbit flies.
What Are the Signs of Cuterebra?
Cuterebra can infect any dog, especially those who spend time outdoors or work outdoors. Dogs on farms, herding dogs, and hunting dogs are commonly affected. Look for red swellings on your dog’s skin with pus or a small opening, indicating Cuterebra presence.
Sometimes, you may even see the white Cuterebra moving in and out of the breathing hole in the dog’s skin.
What Causes Cuterebra in Dogs?
Female bot flies lay eggs near animal nests or living areas, predominantly around rabbits and rodents. Dogs may inadvertently pick up Cuterebra larvae in these environments through wounds or by ingesting the eggs.
The larval stage involves the larvae migrating through the dog’s tissues, breathing through a small opening in the skin. Cuterebra affecting dogs usually come from rabbit and rodent species.
How to Care for a Dog With Cuterebra
If you suspect your dog has Cuterebra, seek veterinary care to have them removed. This process requires medical attention to prevent anaphylactic reactions in dogs. Veterinarians will extract the larvae, clean the wounds, and prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Prevent your dog from licking the wound by using an e-collar, and follow the vet’s advice for wound care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will Cuterebra infestation be fatal for my dog?
Most likely not, but it carries risks. Complete removal of the larvae is vital to prevent allergic reactions and infections at the warble sites.
Can you prevent Cuterebra infection?
Prevention is challenging, but regular grooming and monitoring your dog’s skin may help detect infestations early. Consult your vet for advice, especially if your dog is at high risk like hunting dogs.
Conclusion
Understanding Cuterebra infestations in dogs is crucial. Seek veterinary care for removal and proper wound care to prevent complications. Home removal is not recommended, as it can lead to severe allergic reactions. If your dog is often outdoors and shows signs of Cuterebra, contact your vet promptly for treatment.
Featured Image Credit: AlessandraRC, Shutterstock
