How and with what to treat a subcutaneous tick in a cat? - briefly
Remove the tick surgically and apply a veterinary‑approved topical acaricide or give a systemic antiparasitic such as ivermectin. Monitor the site and, if signs of infection develop, administer a veterinarian‑prescribed antibiotic.
How and with what to treat a subcutaneous tick in a cat? - in detail
Subcutaneous tick infestations in cats require prompt identification, safe extraction, and appropriate pharmacological support. The tick resides beneath the skin, often near the neck, shoulders, or flank, and may be palpable as a firm, slightly elevated nodule. Palpation followed by gentle skin stretch reveals the embedded parasite without causing excessive trauma.
Extraction should be performed using fine‑point forceps or a specialized tick‑removal device. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, apply steady, upward traction, and avoid crushing the body. After removal, disinfect the site with a chlorhexidine solution or dilute povidone‑iodine. Inspection of the tick for mouthparts is essential; retained fragments can provoke local inflammation.
Pharmacological treatment aims to eradicate residual tick material, address potential pathogen transmission, and reduce inflammation. Recommended agents include:
- Topical acaricides containing fipronil, selamectin, or imidacloprid + flumethrin; apply according to the product label, ensuring coverage of the entire body surface.
- Oral systemic medications such as afoxolaner, fluralaner, or sarolaner; dosage based on body weight, administered as a single dose or according to the prescribed interval.
- Injectable macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin at low doses) for severe infestations; veterinary supervision required due to feline sensitivity.
- Anti‑inflammatory therapy with a short course of prednisolone or a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug (NSAID) to mitigate local swelling; dosage adjusted for renal and hepatic function.
Adjunctive care includes monitoring the bite site for signs of secondary infection, such as purulent discharge or increased warmth. If infection develops, a course of broad‑spectrum antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanic acid) is indicated. Routine blood work may be warranted to detect tick‑borne pathogens like Bartonella henselae, Cytauxzoon felis, or Ehrlichia spp.; positive results guide targeted antimicrobial therapy.
Prevention strategies focus on regular application of long‑acting acaricidal products, environmental control of tick habitats, and periodic inspection of the cat’s coat, especially after outdoor exposure. Consistent prophylaxis reduces the risk of subcutaneous tick establishment and associated disease transmission.