How to Flush Maggots Out of an Animal Wound

It is not uncommon for animals to get cuts or injuries that contain maggots. If a wound is missed by the owner or if the animal lives outside, flies can come in contact with the wound and lay eggs in it. The eggs hatch and the maggots stay in the wound because the area is warm. In order to avoid infections and complications from myiasis --- the term for a maggot infestation in a wound --- it is important to treat the wound and remove the maggots as soon as the issue is discovered.

Things You'll Need

• Muzzle
• Hydrogen peroxide and saline rinse
• Clippers or scissors
• Tweezers
• Large container of warm water
• Syringe
• Gauze pads
• Antibiotic ointment
• Vet wrap

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Instructions

• 1

  Examine the wound and make sure that all of the injuries are located in order to begin the treatment process. The Go to Aid website recommends muzzling, tying up and carefully restraining the animal during the treatment process to avoid injuries to it or people treating it. The animal must remain still throughout the process so that the wound can be cleaned efficiently.

• 2

  Apply hydrogen peroxide and saline rinse to the end of a pair of clippers or scissors to disinfect the tools. Cut or shave the hair around the wound so that you are able to clearly see the entire injury. Later it is important to make sure that any loose hairs are flushed out of the wound in order to prevent irritation or infection.

• 3

  Use tweezers to remove any maggots that are close to the surface of the wound. The Love Breeds website explains that a deep wound can be cleaned by soaking the area with warm water. The water flushes out the maggots as well as any debris in the wound.

• 4

  Fill a syringe with hydrogen peroxide or saline solution before using the syringe to flush out the wound. The cleaning and disinfecting solution kills maggots, removes them and prevents further infection. Remove any remaining maggots that are near the surface of the skin with tweezers or a piece of gauze.

• 5

  Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound, place gauze over it and secure the gauze in place with a roll of vet wrap. The vet wrap and gauze cover and protect the wound as it begins to heal. It is important to keep the wound covered and clean so that no further complications develop.