How and with what should a cat be treated for subcutaneous ticks? - briefly
Remove embedded ticks promptly and administer a veterinarian‑prescribed acaricide, such as an oral fluralaner or a topical selamectin formulation, while monitoring for infection and providing supportive care as needed.
How and with what should a cat be treated for subcutaneous ticks? - in detail
Subcutaneous tick infestations in felines require a systematic approach to eliminate the parasite, prevent secondary infection, and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
First, confirm the presence of ticks beneath the skin. Symptoms include localized swelling, pain on palpation, lethargy, loss of appetite, and occasional fever. Diagnostic tools such as fine‑needle aspiration or ultrasound can identify embedded ticks when visual inspection is insufficient.
Second, remove the parasite under veterinary supervision. Manual extraction with fine forceps is inadvisable for deep‑seated ticks because incomplete removal leaves mouthparts that trigger chronic inflammation. Instead, a veterinarian may employ:
- Sedation or light anesthesia to minimize stress and movement.
- A small incision over the affected area, followed by gentle extraction with sterile forceps.
- Closure of the incision with absorbable sutures if necessary.
Third, administer systemic treatment to eradicate residual tick organisms and address potential pathogens. Recommended pharmacological options include:
- Ivermectin – dosage of 0.2 mg/kg orally or subcutaneously, repeated after 14 days to cover larval stages.
- Afoxolaner – 2.5 mg/kg orally, providing rapid kill of attached ticks and lasting protection for up to a month.
- Fluralaner – 25 mg/kg orally or as a spot‑on formulation, effective for 12 weeks against a broad spectrum of ectoparasites.
Selection depends on the cat’s health status, age, and any concurrent illnesses; a veterinarian will adjust the regimen accordingly.
Fourth, treat the wound and prevent bacterial complications. Apply a topical antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine solution) after extraction, then prescribe a short course of broad‑spectrum antibiotics such as amoxicillin‑clavulanate (10 mg/kg BID) for 7–10 days if signs of infection appear.
Fifth, implement preventive measures to avoid future infestations:
- Monthly administration of an approved ectoparasiticide (e.g., selamectin, spot‑on formulations, or oral chews).
- Regular grooming and inspection of the coat, focusing on common attachment sites like the neck, scapular region, and inguinal area.
- Environmental control: treat indoor and outdoor spaces with tick‑targeted sprays or acaricide granules, and limit exposure to high‑risk habitats.
Finally, schedule a follow‑up examination within 2–3 weeks to assess wound healing, confirm complete parasite clearance, and evaluate the cat’s overall health. Documentation of the treatment protocol and any laboratory findings (e.g., PCR testing for tick‑borne pathogens) ensures accurate record‑keeping and informs future preventive strategies.