Cuterebra Parasites in Cats
A little known, yet sometimes disturbing experience for cats and their owners is the burrowing of a cuterebra parasite. These pests are often seen in kittens or barn cats, usually in the middle to late summer, and the life cycle of these parasites often shocks owners that come into contact with them.
Cuterebra Life Cycle
Cuterebra are large bee-like flies that lay their eggs near the homes of small animals and rodents, like squirrels or rabbits. The eggs can actually stick to the fur of an animal, such as a curious kitten or a barn cat that is sniffing near the nest or den. The fly’s egg then hatches on the cat, and the larva enters the cat’s body, usually through the nose or mouth. While this may be annoying enough to the infected cat, the life cycle is not over yet.
A single larva will then migrate through the tissue of the cat’s body, often ending up somewhere under the skin of the neck. The larva will grow to be up to an inch long, still living under the skin. A cyst will form around it, until the larva finally burrows through to the outside.
Cuterebra Removal
Owners of cats with a cuterebra may notice a lump begin to swell in the cat’s neck. Eventually, the larva will make a hole in the skin large enough to fit through in order to breathe, but they will usually hang out in the skin for up to 3 weeks. By this time, most owners will have taken their cat in to be checked out, and the vet will pull the little parasite out with forceps.
The larva, which is a grayish color, will eventually leave the host cat if left long enough, but it is more likely to cause more damage if left longer.
There are usually few complications with the removal of a cuterebra. The area should be cleaned well and a topical antibiotic will help prevent infection. It may take up to a month for the cyst and opening to heal, but with proper care, most cats recover quickly once the larva is out.
