Maple Veterinary Hospital - Troy, Michigan
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Doctors
    • Meet Our Staff
  • Our Services
  • Client Center
    • New Patient Center
    • Client Testimonials
    • Petly Online Pet Pages
  • Helpful Topics
    • Sub-Q Fluids at Home
    • Bite Eating Midges
    • Laser Therapy
    • Hospice Care
    • Letptospirosis
  • Online Store
  • Pet Memorials
  • Contact Us

BITE EATING MIDGES

Maple Veterinary Hospital has recently had a sudden increase in dogs with small red target lesions, most often seen on the belly of a pet.   They appear to caused by an insect known as biting midges.  These small pests, also known as sand flies, no-see-ums, and punkies are part of the gnat family.  Biting midges are bout 1 to 3 mm in length, they typically appear to be a grayish color and have wings with a mottled gray appearance.  These insects breed and are normally found in areas where there is standing water, such as streams, ponds, marshes, mud, compost and rotting wood.  They are most active around dusk.
Their bites typically cause a local allergic reaction which can be intensely itchy and last for over a week.  This can be alleviated by the use of a topical antihistamine cream.  These insects are not typically seen on a host, but are seen in the enviornment.  There are limited means to control the population.  Some pesticides can reduce populations.  Eliminating wet areas can also help limit the number of bugs.  They are also weak fliers so windy conditions deter them.  Many of these pests are so small they can fit through average window screens, and if they are a problem indoors, investing in extra fine mesh screens may be helpful.  These bugs are not known for transmitting disease between humans or pets, but are knwon to spread disease in livestock.
The welts of these insects can look similar to some other diseases in dogs and if your pet is itching or uncomfortable, or the welts do not go away quickly, your pet should be seen by a veterinarian to rule out infections and provide medications tha tcan give your pet safe relief from these pests.

  • Sub-Q Fluids at Home​
  • Laser Therapy
  • Hospice Care
  • LEPTOSPIROSIS

Office Hours

Monday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 6:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday Closed
Pet Emergency?

Maple Veterinary Hospital

2981 Iowa Dr.
Troy, MI 48083
Phone: 248-585-2622
Email: ​messages@mvhvet.com
Get Directions

Our Partners in Care

See your pet on Petly – As your pet's personal health page, Petly is a special place for you and your pet. You're just one click away! – GO TO PETLY
“pet
Picture
Site powered by Weebly. Managed by IDEXX Laboratories
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Doctors
    • Meet Our Staff
  • Our Services
  • Client Center
    • New Patient Center
    • Client Testimonials
    • Petly Online Pet Pages
  • Helpful Topics
    • Sub-Q Fluids at Home
    • Bite Eating Midges
    • Laser Therapy
    • Hospice Care
    • Letptospirosis
  • Online Store
  • Pet Memorials
  • Contact Us