ECONOMICAL TREATMENT OF MAGGOT WOUNDS IN CAPTIVE AFRICAN LIONS: A STUDY OF 12 CASES

Abstract

Maggot wound is a common threat to felines caused by eggs of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). The study was conducted to establish an economic treatment of maggot wounds without anesthesia in Panthera leo at Safari Zoo Lahore, Pakistan. In this treatment, Lions having maggot wounds were first isolated in a squeeze cage and treated with antiseptics i.e. hydrogen peroxide and pyodine. The antiseptic that was a combination of hydrogen peroxide and pyodine used against maggots’ grip being pierced in the tissues. Once they lost grip, maggots were removed with sterilized forceps one by one with great care. After cleaning, the wound was left for open healing, only wound oil (herbal maggot killer) was applied. Once satisfied that no maggot is left, Mycitracin was applied, being an effective pain reliever. Pink spray (crude liquid 60ml) is a fly repellent that helps in healing wounds as well. It was concluded Mycitracin and pink spray can be used till animals recovered successfully. No side effects of these medicines were likely observed.