It was a sight that made our hearts ache — a tiny, fragile kitten, no more than a few weeks old, lying weakly on a towel with a large swelling near its neck. At first, we weren’t sure what we were dealing with. The lump was unusually large for a kitten so small. But as we looked closer, the telltale signs became clear — it was a Cuterebra, a botfly larva that had burrowed under her skin, feeding and growing day by day.
The kitten was quiet, her eyes tired, her breathing shallow. She had likely been suffering in silence for days, and it broke us to think of the pain she had endured. We knew we had to act quickly, but gently. Cuterebra removal can be risky — one wrong move and the larva could rupture inside, releasing toxins that can cause dangerous infections.
With careful hands and steady hearts, we prepped the area. The swelling was cleaned and prepped with antiseptic. As we gently widened the breathing hole, a horrifying yet relieving moment came — the larva began to emerge. It was massive compared to the kitten’s tiny frame, thick and wriggling, fighting to stay inside. But we held firm. Slowly, steadily, we eased the creature out, inch by inch, until it finally slid free.
The relief in the kitten’s body was immediate. Her breathing steadied, her eyes opened wider, and her tiny paws stretched out as if reclaiming peace. We cleaned the wound thoroughly, administered antibiotics, and kept her warm and hydrated.
This brave little fighter, who had suffered silently, began her road to recovery the moment that parasite left her body. Today, she’s stronger, playful, and already showing signs of the feisty spirit kittens are known for.
Let this be a reminder: if you ever see a swelling on a stray or young animal, don’t ignore it. It might just be a life-threatening parasite. And sometimes, a little help, some compassion, and a steady hand can make all the difference in saving a life.
