Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

The eggs hatch within three days. Over the next two weeks, the larvae
grow into large maggots that produce a salivary enzyme that digests the dog’s
skin, causing “punched-out” areas. The maggots then penetrate the skin,
enlarge the opening, and set the stage for a bacterial skin infection. With a
severe infestation, the dog could go into shock. The shock is caused by
enzymes and toxins secreted by the maggots. This is a medical emergency and
requires immediate veterinary attention.
Treatment: Clip the affected areas to remove soiled and matted hair.
Remove all maggots with blunt-nosed tweezers. Wash infected areas with
Betadine solution and dry the dog. Then spray or shampoo the dog using a
nonalcohol-based product that contains pyrethrins. Repeat as described for
Fleas (page 117) and check closely for remaining maggots.
Dogs with infected wounds should be treated with oral antibiotics. If the
dog is debilitated, her health and nutrition must be improved to bring about a
cure.
Grubs (Cuterebriasis)
Grubs are the larvae of a large botfly that has a wide seasonal distribution in
the United States. This fly lays its eggs near the burrows of rodents and rabbits.
Dogs acquire the disease by direct contact with infested soil.
Newly hatched larvae penetrate the skin to form cystlike lumps with small
openings, which allow the grubs to breathe. Several grubs may be found in the
same area of the dog’s body. In such cases, they form large nodular masses.
Typical infestation locations are along the jaw, under the belly, and along the
flanks. Inch-long (2.5 cm) grubs may protrude from these breathing holes. In
about one month, the grubs emerge and drop to the ground.
Treatment: Veterinary assistance is best. The veterinarian will clip away
hair to expose the breathing holes. Grasp each grub with a fine-tipped forceps
and gently draw it out. Do not crush or rupture the grub. This can produce
anaphylactic shock in the dog.
If the veterinarian is unable to grasp the grub, a small incision must be
made under local anesthesia to remove the parasite. Grub wounds are slow to
heal and often become infected. Antibiotics may be required.
Using Insecticides
THE SKIN AND COAT • 131
Dealing effectively with fleas, lice, mites, ticks, and other external parasites
often involves using insecticides on your pets, your home, and your yard.
Insecticides are incorporated into powders, sprays, dusts, and dips. They are
used both on the dog and to disinfect bedding, houses, kennels, runs, gardens,
garages. and other spots where a dog could become reinfested.