TL;DR: Finding maggots in your cat’s wound (fly strike) is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care to prevent severe tissue damage and systemic shock.
What is fly strike (myiasis) in cats?
Finding maggots in your cat’s wound is a condition known as myiasis, commonly referred to as fly strike. This occurs when flies are attracted to an open injury or soiled fur and lay eggs that hatch into larvae. These larvae then feed on the cat's skin and underlying tissue, often burrowing deep where they cannot be seen.
Is finding maggots on my cat a veterinary emergency?
- Yes, this is considered a high-urgency emergency.
- Maggots can cause extensive tissue damage very quickly and release toxins that can lead to systemic infection, shock, or even death if left untreated.
- Do not attempt to treat this at home with over-the-counter pesticides, as these can be toxic to cats.
- Immediate professional veterinary intervention is necessary to safely remove the larvae and treat the infection.
How does taking a photo of the wound help the veterinary team triage my cat?
- Taking a clear, well-lit photo allows the medical staff to assess the extent of the infestation and the condition of the surrounding tissue before you arrive.
- A photo helps the clinic prioritize your cat's case based on the severity of the wound.
- It enables the team to prepare necessary surgical or cleaning tools for immediate treatment.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In cases of myiasis in cats, the extent of the lesions should be determined by clipping the hair coat and removing as many larvae as possible; these larvae should be killed to prevent pupation. Larvae located deep within tissues must be extracted. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are advisable if secondary bacterial or fungal infections are present. Preventative measures include treating all skin wounds promptly and confining animals with skin wounds to fly-free areas, keeping the hair coat clean and free of urine or feces, and controlling adult flies by eliminating breeding places such as open garbage cans and decaying carcasses. Free-roaming cats are more likely to develop Cuterebra lesions than indoor cats.
Chapter: Parasitology, Dermatology, General Principles
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 901)