Infections of wolf worm, also known as screw worm, is most common in livestock, but occasionally it will occur in cats that are allowed go outside. A bot fly will lay her eggs where there's a good chance they will come into contact with an animal. The eggs will hatch into a larva that burrows into the skin of the animal, creating a cyst in the skin with a hole on top so that the wolf worm can continue to breathe. The hole can be a vector for infection, so it's important to diagnose and treat the problem.
Things You'll Need
- Tweezers
- Antibacterial cleanser
Instructions
Finding and Treating a Wolf Worm Infestation
Keep a close eye on your cat's behavior. If it seems to be dizzy, is lethargic or has labored breathing, you'll want to further examine the cat to rule out parasites, including wolf worm.
If you find a lump, examine it closely for the presence of a small hole. If you find one or more holes, it probably means there is a wolf worm in the hole.
You may be able to spot the worm in the hole. It will be about a half-inch long, tan colored with a brown spot on one end. If there is more than one hole, it's likely that more than one worm is present.
If you spot the wolf worm, you can apply warm compresses to the area and squeeze gently. The worm will often come to the surface where you can gently pluck it from the skin with your fingers or pair of tweezers. Treat the infected site with antibacterial cleansers morning and night for three to four days and watch for signs of infection---redness and heat.
Take your cat to the veterinarian. If you cannot confirm the presence of a wolf worm, the vet will be able to distinguish the lump from an abscess or other condition.