Flies and Fly Larvae

[107barney]

I read that fipronil (Frontline) helps to prevent the botfly egg from hatching. I also read that the use of ivermectin (heartgard) can also help to interrupt the lifecycle of the egg if ingested. I have not investigated enough to know if it is really a preventative or what. I like the giant bubble idea and it is big enough for all three.

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Doesn't Advantix also? Looks like it does. I thought the only addition was a growth regulator to either kill eggs or make the fleas unable to reproduce. So instead of the two chemicals in Advantix, there are now three.

All I know is I hate bugs and will use whatever chemical needed to kill them.

Ya it does!! I love Advantix II

[kjc]

We went to the vet's last night and I asked about the Cuterebra and what prevents them... as the eggs hatch on the hair, I don't see how anything could prevent that. He said he doesn't know of anything that can totally stop them, so mainly try to control the access of the rabbits into the yard.

As Heartworm meds only stay in a dog's system for a few days, they wouldn't provide protection for long.

I especially like the idea of the human hamster ball, that would solve a lot of problems....

[107barney]

Did you ask the vet about fipronil?

[Ellie May]

Fipronil and permethrin stay in the skin for at least a month at a time. When they try to get in to make their little "nest", that should deter them. I'd ask Merial and Bayer about it.

[kjc]

No, I asked about anything he knew of that would kill them before they got started. I don't see how, when the eggs hatch on the dog's hair, anything systemic is going to work against them. As the flies don't bite their intended host, they only lay their eggs on them, I can see where controlling them may be more environmental than anything.

[Ellie May]

Keeping the rabbits out is good (they carry coccidea and other nasties anyway).

Here is what Merck has to say about this:
Merck Veterinary Manual

They tend to go through the mouth, nose, and open wounds. Since there is obviously a problem in your area with these pesky critters, I wouldn't let the pups stay outside if they have any sores or wounds that could be penetrated easily. Also, even if it doesn't make total sense, there is promise with fipronil and (it looks like) imidacloprid. So Merial and Bayer may know more about this. If we had a problem like that here and Ellie went through that, I'd defnitely be choosing one of these products to try and prevent further problems. Apparently these things can even migrate to the brain. Not something I'd want to risk.

[Ringo1]

Can I just say how much I hate this thread?? Well, not really the thread itself - but the IDEA that this whole n a s t y thing can even happen!!!! YUCK.

[kjc]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Keeping the rabbits out is good (they carry coccidea and other nasties anyway).

Here is what Merck has to say about this:
Merck Veterinary Manual

They tend to go through the mouth, nose, and open wounds. Since there is obviously a problem in your area with these pesky critters, I wouldn't let the pups stay outside if they have any sores or wounds that could be penetrated easily. Also, even if it doesn't make total sense, there is promise with fipronil and (it looks like) imidacloprid. So Merial and Bayer may know more about this. If we had a problem like that here and Ellie went through that, I'd defnitely be choosing one of these products to try and prevent further problems. Apparently these things can even migrate to the brain. Not something I'd want to risk.

I read that Merck article, they never mention what to use or what works against these flys... so I went to look what is used on horses, and I found a product I'm going to try... it's a spray on type, non toxic, can be used on people too, and also sprayed in the rabbit runs (or in my case... around the shed or anywhere I think rabbits may go).

I really need to be careful and don't want to use any toxic stuff around Tink, bc of her LS. I can't use the permethrin as it is toxic to cats...even used on dogs who live with cats (my cats are indoor). Maybe build a dog run with mosquito netting over the chain link...

Also I am concerned... HW Meds are classified as Parasiticides, but the two you mentioned are classified Insecticides.

Going to make mosquito netting jumpsuits for them too.

[ladyjane]

My suggestions:

Don't let your pups lay around in the yard. Go outside with them and watch them eliminate and then bring them back inside.

Bathe them weekly and brush them daily. Make sure that you inspect their skin carefully each time.

From the original post, it appears to me that the pup was laying behind the shed for some time. It also seems to me that you ignored some scratching that maybe if investigated more carefully might have yielded the clue that something was wrong. You said that you would not do that again.

You now know exactly what to look for and should be able to detect if this is occurring a bit more quickly if it should happen again.

I am not going to comment on the prevention with anything that the pups must ingest, or anything in your yard to rid thse things, since I have seen your other posts and know that you don't approve of what most of us do along those lines.

Good luck.

[107barney]

Originally Posted by kjc

I read that Merck article, they never mention what to use or what works against these flys... so I went to look what is used on horses, and I found a product I'm going to try... it's a spray on type, non toxic, can be used on people too, and also sprayed in the rabbit runs (or in my case... around the shed or anywhere I think rabbits may go).

I really need to be careful and don't want to use any toxic stuff around Tink, bc of her LS. I can't use the permethrin as it is toxic to cats...even used on dogs who live with cats (my cats are indoor). Maybe build a dog run with mosquito netting over the chain link...

Also I am concerned... HW Meds are classified as Parasiticides, but the two you mentioned are classified Insecticides.

Going to make mosquito netting jumpsuits for them too.

So rather than use frontline, you will build runs, make mosquito netting suits, spray rabbit runs, and use some nontoxic spray? Before you say I am anti natural remedies or organic options, I will say that my entire backyard is organic and I clean with products I make myself with the exception of the occasional use of bleach in my bathroom.

If you dont want to use the monthly frontline, you could use frontline spray just during the spring or whenever you spot peter cottontail and his infected friends around your property. I have seen references where it is used on ferrets to kill off the cutebera maggot. I understand wanting to be naturalistic about things but frontline is even OK for epileptic dogs such as Teddy according to his neurologist.

As for warding off flies, not sure about bot flies in particular, but I have had luck with lavender and basil plants in my garden and basil in my kitchen. These do need sun, so perhaps an infusion of essential oils or tying up a bunch of lavender around the shed might help. And, if you see flies around your dog, something is not right!!

I sincerely wish you good luck with this.

[megansmomma]

Originally Posted by kjc

I read that Merck article, they never mention what to use or what works against these flys... so I went to look what is used on horses, and I found a product I'm going to try... it's a spray on type, non toxic, can be used on people too, and also sprayed in the rabbit runs (or in my case... around the shed or anywhere I think rabbits may go).

I really need to be careful and don't want to use any toxic stuff around Tink, bc of her LS. I can't use the permethrin as it is toxic to cats...even used on dogs who live with cats (my cats are indoor). Maybe build a dog run with mosquito netting over the chain link...

Also I am concerned... HW Meds are classified as Parasiticides, but the two you mentioned are classified Insecticides.

Going to make mosquito netting jumpsuits for them too.

Can I have the pattern for the jumpsuit?

[kjc]

As I said this happened to Peek a Boo in Spring 2007 and 2008, and as the rabbit population in my neighborhood has since dwindled, he has not had a problem with the Cuterebra. I have put up rabbit deterrent fencing, and since before his last episode I have limited his time outside, but mainly due to his age, as when he was younger he loved being outside more than anything. I even installed a security camera so I could watch him from inside the house. I do keep a watch on the rabbit population all the time, just to be sure... if I see it increasing I will take further measures to prevent this from happening again.

Every article I've read on the Cuterebra says it is very rare for a dog to come down with it, that more often cats are affected, and one article stated that it's extremely rare to even see the flies themselves. I've kept dogs for over 40 years and this was the first time I've seen it, including 15 years working at the vet's office.

I will be discussing different options with my vet: Thanks for all the suggestions. (Might help too that he treats bunnies... and wildlife)

And I can assure everyone that Peek a Boo hardly ever mats, he is and was combed/brushed daily, and gets frequent baths, and doesn't run around with poopy butt.

Originally Posted by megansmomma

Can I have the pattern for the jumpsuit?

Sure, as soon as I get it down on paper and put it in the computer!

[tjdmom]

All I can say is EWWW! I am not going to look at any links or videos as I'd imagine I would then have nightmares. Heck, I almost hyperventilated when I had to pull a tick off of Mickey last week, can't imagine a maggot! Yuck! But thanks for warning us about this!

[kjc]

Originally Posted by tjdmom

All I can say is EWWW! I am not going to look at any links or videos as I'd imagine I would then have nightmares. Heck, I almost hyperventilated when I had to pull a tick off of Mickey last week, can't imagine a maggot! Yuck! But thanks for warning us about this!

You're Welcome! (I'm not even looking at any pics or videos, lol, I've seen enough!)