Bot Fly

[Peter Rabbit]

I have a one year old Flemish Giant (likely mix) and two days ago I noticed he had a patch of matted fur on his chest. It had a black spot in the middle. I read about abscesses and figured I’d take him to the vet after Christmas when they were back open. I also saw online people expressing them and pulling out what looked like a plug. I decided to try as it bothered me him having this. Well the thing started moving when I touched it with the tweezers. In a panic I grabbed it and slowly pulled out a huge worm looking thing which left a big hole in my rabbits chest. It was like some alien. My husband looked it up and determined it was a bot Fly. OMG it was disgusting and had me awake for hours with that image replaying in my head. Of course I later read you shouldn’t remove them as it can be deadly to the rabbit. Fortunately my bunny is fine and it’s now two days later. I’ve been cleaning it twice a day with peroxide and triple antibiotic ointment. The swelling has gone down a lot but I’m worried if this will now turn into an abscess. Has anyone delt with this before? My plan was to call the vet but then thought it looks like what I’m doing is working and he’s feeling fine. I know if I call they’ll just say bring him in. They always do. ?
My rabbit is an indoor bunny but he loves being outside and has been spending time in our yard which is obviously where he came into contact with this thing. I wouldn’t have thought a suburban yard would be such a danger like this. We have the typical backyard in the middle of a subdivision and not next to any woods. I’m going to see if I can get the yard sprayed with anything that will kill any others in the yard. Obviously Peter won’t be going back outside. I can’t risk this happening again. It was highly disturbing.

[Wick & Fable]

Considering this is your first encounter, I’d go to the vet to have it professionally assessed before shelfing this episode, especially because of the potential of complications. As much as one wants to avoid the cost of the vet, at the end of the day, going for an unnecessary check up is better than waiting for a situation to worsen and leading to an expensive, life-threatening procedure or a state of no return and suffering for the rabbit. After a professional assessment, you’ll have more knowledge and certainty in the future if this happens again.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I agree with Wick. I would get it checked out.

[Author]

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