Baby Squirrel with Bot Fly

I have rescued a baby squirrel that has a pretty large tumor or cyst on it's neck. It has a hole in it. Is this a bot fly? How should I treat this. I have used peroxide and an antibiotic cream. Will it eventually just go away on its own, or do I need to do something else.

Thanks for for help.

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Hi Mary,

Without seeing a picture, it is hard to tell, but it does sound very much like bot fly and something very common with both deer and squirrel in the wild.

If it is, then it definitely won't go away on its own. You will have to treat the bot fly, because if you don't the squirrel will definitely die.

If you shave the area, you will probably be able to see the bot fly larvae in the breathing hole. Once you have located it, take a pair of tweezers and remove the larvae.

You are on the right track using hydrogen peroxide. This will help in not only cleaning the wound but also getting rid of the dead tissue that would have formed inside the wound.

If you are still not sure, then you will have to take the squirrel to a vet or a wildlife center to get a more expert opinion.

Let us know how you get on.

Regards
Kathryn
Countryfarm Lifestyles