Cuterebra Follow-Up

Question
If it leaves on its own and its NOT able to burrow will it go back into the rabbit?

Are there usually just one larvae in a rabbit or could there be more?

Thanks for you time with this!

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Followup To

Question -
I caught a wild rabbit in a havahart trap that I was using to catch a local woodchuck causing problems.  This rabbit seems to have a cuterebra on its belly.  There is a lump with a hole in the middle and something moving in and out.  I'd like to return it to the wild in good shape.  Will this larvae just leave the rabbits body after a month and he will be fine?  Or can I remove it somehow?  I don't want to pay a vet to do it since I read it could be expensive.  Now when I first saw it I squeezed it a little which I read later is bad to do.  Right now, the rabbit in a large cage awaiting the best way to get him healthy and back to the wild.  When it leaves the body it tries to burrow right?  What if the rabbit is on a wood floor right now?  ANy information at all will be helpful in my situation.

Thanks

Answer -
Hi Jay,

well, from your description, it sounds like the rabbit has a cuterebra larvae parasite.  

Typically, it will leave the rabbit when it is reaches its mature larval stage, and then will burrow into the ground to complete its transformation into a fly.  It leaves on its own.  In rare cases they accidentally migrate to the brain and kill the rabbit.

Cuterebra larvae are surgically removed by vets, because it requires an incision to make that little hole bigger, then gently pushing the larvae out (they don't dissect or squeeze because it can make things worse, in our laymans' terms).  So don't squeeze it from outside.

If you can't take him to a wildlife rehab center (you can always check a local shelter and ask if they know of any such groups) they may be able to remove it and release him back to the wild.  Otherwise you cannot do anything for him, other than let him loose and pray that the larvae drops out properly when it's time.  I know it sounds kind of frustrating, but it's the best you can do.  Try finding a wildlife rehab group around your area and see if they can help him out.

Lee

Answer
Dear Jay,

Once the Cuterebara larva leaves its cyst, it usually drops to the ground and pupates. It will not normally re-enter the rabbit.  

Where there's one botfly larva, though, there are often more.  

If this is a wild rabbit, I would still recommend that you take him to a good rabbit vet if he is not too stressed. But please release him ASAP.  It is not only illegal to keep wild rabbits in captivity, but it is cruel. They do not thrive, and do not make good pets.

Good luck,

Dana