How to Get a Grub Out of a Cat's Neck

The cuterebra are a type of botfly that lay their eggs near burrows or where animals frequent. When the eggs hatch into larvae, the larvae will enter an animal host through the nose, mouth or, less often, a skin wound. Typically, the cuterebra infects rodents and rabbits, according to Cotswold Animal Hospital. In rare instances, dogs and cats can become infected by the larvae of this species. Cats commonly become infected around their head or neck. Sometimes called warbles, the cuterebra larvae can cause severe illness in your cat after the larvae drops from your cat's body. Secondary bacterial infections can develop, resulting in painful abscesses.

Instructions

1

Take your cat to a veterinarian to remove the larvae. Your cat will require anesthesia to keep it calm during the procedure.

2

Allow your veterinarian to examine the breathing hole created by the larvae. The larvae use this breathing hole for air as they develop. Your veterinarian will make a small incision at the affected site.

3




A veterinarian will need to successfully remove all the larvae.

Permit the veterinarian to extract the larvae with forceps. The veterinarian will flush the wound with saline to ensure a thorough cleanup. In some instances, removal of surrounding tissue is necessary to prevent infection.

4

Ask for antibiotics for your cat to avoid infection. Expect some swelling at the affected site for a few days after surgery. However, watch for signs of increased swelling, constant oozing or your cat becoming lethargic.