How to Heal a Grub Hole in a Kitten

When the cuterebra fly lays its eggs near the dens of rabbits and rodents, a curious kitten may acquire them while outside. Once the eggs hatch on his skin, the larvae burrow under the kitten's skin by entering through the nasal passages, mouth or an open wound. The larvae grow under the skin, forming a visible cyst with a hole in the center that the parasite uses to breathe. These parasites usually infect the kitten's neck or head, and they require removal by a veterinarian before the hole that is made by the pest can heal.

Things You'll Need

  • Oral antibiotic
  • Electric clippers
  • Sterile gauze pad
  • Sterile saline solution
  • Topical antibiotic
  • Medical tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your kitten to a veterinarian to have the cuterebra removed. A doctor will remove the parasite by putting the kitten under anesthesia, enlarging the opening to the hole, removing the cuterebra with forceps or a hemostat and flushing the wound with disinfectant.

    • 2

      Administer oral antibiotics to your kitten after the removal of the grub from under his skin, as directed by your veterinarian. These antibiotics usually come in liquid form, which you measure in a dropper and squirt into the side of the kitten's mouth, while holding the mouth open with your finger. This medication will prevent a bacterial infection of the open wound, while it begins to heal. The usual dosage of liquid antibiotics is twice per day.

    • 3

      Cut away the fur around the hole with a pair of electric clippers. If the veterinarian has already done so, keep the hair short during the healing period to prevent the hair from infecting the wound, allowing you to see it and keep it clean. Wipe away the clipped hair with a sterile gauze pad, dampened with sterile saline solution.

    • 4

      Cleanse the hole daily by flushing it out with a sterile saline solution that you pour over the hole. After cleaning the hole, dry the area with a sterile gauze pad by dabbing the pad over the area.

    • 5

      Apply topical antibiotic ointment to the hole after cleansing it daily during the healing process, which can last up to 1 month.

    • 6

      Bandage the area with a sterile gauze pad. Place medical tape over the sides of the gauze to hold it in place. The bandaging will prevent any dirt or debris from entering the wound. Change the dressing one to two times daily.