[3570]

Every summer, with the onset of warm, humid weather, owners need to be aggressive and vigilant in the care of their dogs to prevent them from falling victim to a fly-strike. At risk are dogs that have wounds or dogs that have become incontinent, losing control of their bowels or bladder. Coats and skin that have become soiled by blood, feces, urine, vomit, pus, or other bodily excretions become ground zero for a fly-strike. The blow fly is attracted by the smell of soiled skin or coat, and lays its eggs directly on the affected area. In as little as 8 to 12 hours, the small, white eggs hatch into larvae, which are known as maggots. Maggots need food, and to satisfy this need, they feed on the animal’s flesh. Although they initially feed on the diseased or soiled area, they will soon spread and start to consume healthy tissue. If left untreated, death occurs in 3-5 days, due to loss of fluid and blood proteins. It is a major problem for sheep and also for rabbits, but it can occur in all animals, including cats and dogs.

[AnaleFaust]

Amazing what something so small, and relatively harmless, can do.

[vegankjh]

Yum. I used to work at our local Animal Control. We had alot of critters in the summer come in with maggots all over em. Quite disgusting..but guess who got to dig em out of the infected sores?!?!?! ME!!!!

God, I loved that job. I seen so much gnarly stuff.

[roffle]

lol, maggots up the bum!

[Jere]