My cat has wolf worm and is very sick. The hole in her foot bleeds and seeps out pus. I can't afford to take her to the vet. What can I do?
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If by wolf worm, you mean a cuterebra, like squirrels often get, the larva will eventually mature and leave. In many cases, the secondary bacterial infection that develops in the empty cyst causes more damage to the host than the primary attack by the Cuterebra. Most cats will develop a deep abscess or skin infection at the infection site after the warble has left the skin.
Treatment depends on when the condition is discovered. If the condition is diagnosed before the warble leaves the skin, the warble will be removed and the injured tissues will be debrided or surgically removed. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to combat any secondary bacterial infection.
If the condition is noticed after the warble has left the skin, the infected area is cleaned and debrided and antibiotics prescribed.
You cat really needs to be seen by a vet as there is no effective home treatment for this and she probably needs antibiotics. If you are in financial difficulty, there are ways of still getting your pet treated by a veterinarian. Ask if they take Care Credit and apply online. This is a credit card that is used specifically for medical, dental, and veterinary expenses.
GiveForward is a crowd funding website that helps you raise money to help take care of your pets
Call your local animal shelter and ask if they have or can direct you to a low-cost pet clinic that works with people with limited incomes.
If there is a college of veterinary medicine in your area, call and ask them about a low- or no-cost veterinary care program. Many run low-cost clinics for limited income clients.
The Humane Society website has a lot of links to other organizations that help with veterinary expenses. Some are for working/service animals, some are breed-specific, some are by start or location. Hopefully there is something available in your area.
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