Health Guide: Endoparasites Figure 3

Endoparasites Figure 3

Figure 3: Cuterebriasis (rodent botfly infestation) in adult male rat
Case history and photos

History

Hobo, adult wild male rattus, rescued from an outdoor garden with no known health history.

Clinical Signs

Wild male rat in debilitated condition presented with multiple nodule/boil-like lumps (warbles), and taken to veterinarian for treatment.

Diagnosis

Cuterebriases (infestation with rodent botfly)

Treatment

Hobo was completely anesthetized in order to remove the larvae as he was just too feral to be handled. Five bot larvae were removed and the warble wounds flushed with saline solution until healed. No oral or topical antimicrobials were required.

Outcome

Hobo healed well and continued to live out his normal life span under the care of his rescuer.

Photos

Left photo shows the presence of enlarging warble and warble pore resulting from the growing larva. Right photo shows the presence of multiple warbles as indicated by the red arrows.

Left photo shows actual larvae following removal by veterinarian. Right photo indicates healing of wounds.

Case history and photos courtesy of Shelagh Hall

Posted on October 9, 2011, 12:58, Last updated on October 10, 2011, 14:06 | Figures