Accidental Host

A client brought in a litter of stray kittens.  Two were in good shape but one was half the size of the others, had an upper respiratory infection and the client said it had several puncture wounds.  When I looked at the wounds, I knew right away that they were not punctures.  If you are a little squeamish you may not want to hit the play button.  Otherwise, you are in a treat and get to see the ultimate Dr. Pimple Popper.

 The poor little thing had three warbles, or Cuterebra. Rodents and rabbits are the normal hosts, but sometimes cats become infected.  The larva makes a breathing hole that is perfectly round.  If you look carefully, you can see the larva moving and taking a breath.  Then it’s just a matter of grabbing it and gently pulling it out.  The cat can have an anaphylactic reaction if the larva ruptures or dies.  After removal, I flushed the wounds and started the kitten on an antibiotic.  I expect it to make a full recovery.