Here is a great informational video about what your pet's diagnostic test results may tell us during your routine visits and why they are so important! 🐾
Does your dog or cat have hot spot or bite wound? Ask how we can promote faster healing with NO antibiotics or steroids.
For any appointment needs, medication requests, or questions, please call 360-892-1440 to speak with our client service representatives. We ask that all medication requests be placed at least 24 hours in advance to ensure timely refills.
Live bot fly larvae after removal from dog
Here is Davy's little parasitic buddy moving around on the table after removal...Gross!
Animals become infested as they pass through areas contaminated with the eggs of the Cuterebra species. Larvae will enter the body via natural body openings, skin penetration or by ingestion as the animal grooms contaminated fur. Cats and dogs are abnormal hosts for the bot and typical cases involve the skin of the head, neck and trunk, however the larvae have been known to migrate into the nasal passages, mouth, eyes and brain.
Cases occur in the late summer and fall, when the larvae enlarge and produce a swelling which develops a fistula (open draining tract) so the parasite can breathe. Treatment involves careful and gentle extraction of the grub from the fistulous opening. This is something we don’t recommend trying at home because accidental crushing of the larvae can result in incomplete extraction and allergic reaction.
