The myiasis, worm or bichera in cats is, perhaps, the parasitic diseasemost unpleasant that we can find. It is caused by fly larvae that invade different parts of the body. As you can imagine, it is necessary to treat all cases of myiasis in cats as soon as possible, since the injuries caused can even be fatal.
In this article on our site we will explain what myiasis consists of and what are the symptoms that should alert us. It is necessary to go to the veterinarian to eliminate all the larvae and clean the area well. If you see worm wounds in cats, read on to find out if it is myiasis and what to do.
What is myiasis in cats?
Myiasis is a parasitosis caused by dipteran larvae, which can be flies, mosquitoes or horseflies. Therefore, it is a more common problem in the months of higher temperatures. For there to be larvae, the insect must first lay its eggs somewhere on the cat's body. Normally this spawning happens in humid and hot areas, which are the ones that provide the best conditions for the larvae to develop. An example is the folds of the skin, the skin that is under knots or dirt in long-haired specimens.
However, it is more common to see wounds with worms in cats than in eggs. They are raw, infected or fistulized wounds and those worms that you see are the larvae. Other places where we can find these larvae are the inside of the ears and the navel in newborn kittens. Thus, cats with access to the outside or those with injuries or a worse state of he alth will be more affected.
Symptoms of myiasis in cats
If you wonder how to know if a cat has myiasis, the truth is that it is easy to identify this pathology because we will be able to see the larvae directlyThese secrete enzymes capable of digesting skin and tissue, making round holes It is these enzymes and the toxins they produce that can cause shock when there is a large number of larvae. The larvae hatch three days after laying and develop for about two weeks. As a complication of this parasitosis, bacterial infections For all this it is very important to go to the vet quickly as soon as the first symptoms of myiasis in cats are observed.
How to heal wounds with worms in cats? - Treatment of myiasis
To treat myiasis in cats, as we say, it is essential to visit the vet This will proceed to the removal of as many larvae as possible. You have to search well throughout the body, since, on occasions, larvae can be found spread over different points. In addition, if there is appreciable damage to the tissue, it will also be necessary to remove all that is affected and trim the hair around the lesions to expose the edges and be able to completely sanitize the area that has been infested.
After these first interventions in the clinic, the vet will explain how to treat these wounds with worms in our cat, since it is necessary to disinfect the entire area very wellIt is also common for him to prescribe a drug against the larvae in case there is any left unextracted. The medication, depending on each case, will be injectable or topical, that is, applied directly to the area. When the parasitosis has been complicated by a bacterial infection, the vet will also give us an antibiotic for myiasis in cats. Of course, both interventions on the wound and the prescription of any of the drugs mentioned should be left to the veterinarian.
How to remove worms from a cat wound?
As we say, it will be the veterinarian who will carry out the task of extracting the larvae from the cat's wound. To do this, he will use special tweezers, previously disinfected, and remove the worms one by one. The cat will likely need to be anesthetized to prevent movement during worm removal.
Are there home remedies for myiasis in cats?
Myiasis is not a disease that can be treated at home Even if we see larvae and try to remove them, others may remain hidden inside the body, causing considerable damage and causing new wounds with worms in the cat. In addition, we remember that serious infestations can trigger shock and even death. In fact, when there are a large number of larvae, in addition to removing them and disinfecting the area, the vet may have to enter the cat and stabilize it. Hence the importance of going to the vet if we discover worms in any part of our cat's body.
On the other hand, although there are insect repellents based on natural products, their effect is usually short-lived and they will not act on the larvae, so they are not useful as a treatment either. What we can do is apply certain home remedies to heal wounds in order to promote a speedy recovery. Of course, these remedies should be administered as a complement and never as a substitute for medical treatment.
Is it possible to prevent myiasis in cats?
Myiasis could be avoided if the cat does not have access to the outside, at least in the seasons of greatest proliferation of flies, mosquitoes or horseflies. This measure may not always be enforced, but at the very least, every effort should be made to keep older cats, sick cats, or cats with wounds that may attract insects indoors, including those that are recovering from previous myiasis.
In cats that go outside there is the possibility of applying an insect repellent, always recommended by the veterinarian. We should also check them regularly and, especially in specimens with longer hair, keep them clean and brushed to avoid knots and accumulation of dirt.
