Maggots

[Cd1509]

My cat brought home what I think is a 5 week old grey. Nothing broken or outwardly injured. Took fluids, kitten milk and poops well. Just today I thought he may have scratched his eye. It was red and weeping. I looked really close and it had tiny worms in his left eye. Then I looked further and found an open wound about the size of a pencil eraser. It was filled with maggots. What do I do?? I've spoken to wildlife rehabs in the area and they all want to euthanize him because he's not a native species. I don't know if I should take him to an emergency vet and get started on abx. Please advise!!

[island rehabber]

First, he should get antibiotics because of the cat, yes. Do you have Dawn dishwashing liquid? Flush the affected area gently with warm water and Dawn, careful not to get it in the eye. Use a flea comb if possible to remove all maggots. This wound you describe is dangerously near the eye and brain so you need to act quickly. There is a tablet called Capstar that actually kills maggots and eggs, available without a prescription; get the kind for kittens/puppies and divide into quarters. Mix 1/4 tablet with 10ml water and syringe feed 0.25ml once and then again 24 hrs later. You can also flush the wound with the Capstar. Good luck!