A botfly wound probably won’t be obvious right away, but will get bigger as the larva grows inside your dog’s body. Other visual symptoms might include discharge, bleeding, or a skin abscess. Behavioral symptoms can include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or scratching and licking of the area.
Infected cysts usually itch or irritate your dog. Keep an eye out for excessive scratching, biting, or licking. By licking, your dog can introduce more bacteria into the area and worsen the issue. You can put an Elizabethan collar on the dog to block them from licking the area. The infection in a cyst can spread to other parts of your dog’s body or organs.
Botflies are usually more disgusting than they are dangerous and aren’t considered a medical emergency. However, the sooner they’re removed, the lower the chances of infections or complications are.
Once the wound is numbed and cleared of fur, the vet will disinfect the area for larva removal.
Larvae that burrow too deep are more likely to cause permanent side effects, like blindness or nerve damage. The vet will be careful to remove them without causing further harm. Bring your dog to the vet as soon as you notice the botfly wound for the first time to prevent the infection from escalating to this stage.
Most wounds will heal naturally through granulation (letting new skin grow over the wound). Large or severe wounds may need bandages or stitches. Your vet will give you instructions on how to keep the wound clean while it heals. Follow their directions accurately to prevent re-infection!
Follow the prescription directions for the full recommended time to keep your dog healthy (and prevent another trip to the vet’s office).
Prognosis for your dog is excellent! Once the botfly larva is gone and the wound is disinfected, it will heal in about 2 weeks with proper care.
If you squeeze the larva too hard during removal, parts of it can stay inside your dog. This leads to toxic substances in their bloodstream or infection of the wound. It’s best to let a vet with parasite removal experience do this. Some vets may use the petroleum jelly trick to lure the larva toward the surface before removing it. [12] X Research source
Keep your dog on a leash to keep them from sniffing around rodent dens. Avoid leaving food outside and keep your trash cans shut tightly so you don’t lure rats and other botfly-prone critters into your yard. [14] X Research source Use a dog whistle or a special command to get your dog’s attention and bring them to you if they start chasing after a rat or poking their head into a den.
Remember, the earlier a botfly is detected and removed, the lower the risk of infection or side effects.
