23/09/2026
This is Simba, 5-year-old Shih Tzu.—MYIASIS case!
He walked into Happidogs Veterinary Clinic with maggot infestation on the right side of his face. What looked like a surface problem on the outside was much worse inside.
During his surgical removal operation, when we lifted his upper lip — we found MANY MORE maggots hiding and burrowing underneath!😢 They were already eating deeper into the tissue.
Here's what we did for Simba's safety:
🔹 Because of his age (5 yrs old), we first did laboratory tests / bloodwork to make sure he is safe for anesthesia. Safety first!
🔹 Then, under anesthesia, we surgically removed the maggots ONE BY ONE — from the outside and from deep under his upper lip.
🔹 Thorough wound cleaning, flushing, and pain management.
✅ Surgery successful! Simba is now awake, safe, and going home with post-surgery treatment for faster, better healing.
Thank you so much Ma'am for trusting us. Your decision to bring him immediately saved his face and his life! 🙏
THIS IS WHY WE SAY: PLEASE CHECK YOUR DOGS EVERY DAY!
Myiasis doesn't start big. It starts with:
- A tiny scratch from playing
- A wet, drooly fold on the face
- Matted fur that stays damp
- An ear infection you didn't notice
Flies will lay eggs there, and in 8-12 hours, maggots hatch. They don't stay on top — they burrow INSIDE, like what happened to Simba.
HAPPIDOGS GUIDE: How to Prevent Myiasis
1. THE 1-MINUTE DAILY CHECK:
Every day, lift the ears, lift the lips, check the paws and tail area. Smell them — a foul, rotten smell is the first sign. Shih Tzus need this more because of their facial folds!
2. HYGIENE IS NOT LUHO, IT'S GAMOT:
Proper hygiene is necessary to avoid this case.
- Keep face dry after drinking/eating
- Regular grooming to prevent matted, moist fur
- Keep sleeping area clean, dry, and poop-free
3. WOUNDS = EMERGENCY, NOT "MALIIT LANG YAN"
Even a small bite or hotspot — clean it with pet-safe antiseptic and vet check agad. Don't apply used oil, toothpaste, or garlic.
4. NEVER PULL MAGGOTS AT HOME.
You will only remove the top part. The head stays inside and causes worse infection. This needs surgical removal + antibiotics.
5. SENIOR CARE = LAB TEST FIRST.
For dogs 5 years old and above, blood tests before surgery are a must. That’s how we keep surgery safe.
Simba is healing now, but his case is a wake-up call for all fur-parents.
"A clean dog is a safe dog".🤔
