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Cuterebra
Parasitic skin infection from bot fly (Cuterebra) larvae in dogs and cats.
Key Facts
- Fly lays eggs near animal burrows; larvae attach via body heat
- Most common in summer/fall around head and neck
- Larva creates breathing hole (fistula) in skin
- Removal: veterinarian enlarges hole, extracts with forceps
- Never squeeze — rupturing larva causes infection
- Aberrant migration can affect CNS, eyes, respiratory tract
- Usually no further treatment needed after intact removal