Introduction

The fly larva (Dermatobia hominis) has its main larvae obligate parasites and hosts cattle and many mammals and birds. Such larvae develop into subcutaneous tissue forming nodular primary myiasis.

In females, the nutrition is coming from the larval stage; it remains at rest until the moment of oviposition; capture an insect (most often a fly) and fix a batch of about 25 eggs in the lower abdomen. Then develop to L1, when the mosquito lands on a warm-blooded animal to feed the L1 hatch due to temperature change penetrating the skin through the opening made by the carrier.

Objective

Show clinical signs, treatment and prophylaxis of the myiasis by Dermatobia hominis.

Methods

Three rats were treated, all in similar ages. They received inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane 3% for induction and 1% for maintenance; removal was performed by digital pressure and anatomical forceps.

Subsequently, ketoprofen was applied 5 mg/kg subcutaneous, enrofloxacin 5 mg/kg intramuscular. Enrofloxacin was prescribed 5 mg/kg orally every 12 h for 7 days; ibuprofen 20 mg/kg orally every 8 h for 2 days; and veterinary ointment base piperonyl butoxide, permethrin and zinc oxide every 12 h for two to three times a day until complete healing. Citronella collar was used around the cage for prophylaxis.

Results

Larvae removed successfully without complications, absent recurrence; treatment and prophylaxes were effective.

Conclusion

Dermatobia hominis reports in rats are rare, possibly because few species are adopted as pets. Prophylaxis with collar proved effective; contact with the animals showed no toxicity.