What's Bugging You?

Scooter came to Hoffman Estates Animal Hospital after his owner found him as a stray.  He weighed in at only one pound!  His hair coat was thin and patchy, and he was covered with fleas.  Scooter's belly was distended and his fecal exam showed roundworms.  Scooter was treated for the roundworms and fleas, but those were not the only parasites troubling this little kitten.  Upon further examination, a small swelling on the side of his neck was found.  The hair around the area was clipped, and we noticed a small hole with something tiny and white poking through.  It was a Cuterebra or boy fly larvae!  The larva was carefully removed with forceps and the area was scrubbed.  Scooter was sent home on antibiotics.

Cuterebra is a bee-like species that lays eggs near the resting places of its host, commonly rabbits and cats.  The eggs hatch into larvae that then burrow into the skin, creating a cyst with a small breathing hole.  They can live in the skin for four to five months!

Scooter's skin healed well and he is now a healthy weight.  Today Scooter is happy and healthy, living free of any parasites!