How can a cat be treated for a subcutaneous tick? - briefly
Remove the embedded tick with a small incision performed by a veterinarian and apply a suitable topical acaricide or systemic antiparasitic medication. Monitor the wound for infection and schedule a follow‑up check to confirm full recovery.
How can a cat be treated for a subcutaneous tick? - in detail
A subcutaneous tick embeds beneath the skin, making removal more complex than a surface parasite. Immediate veterinary assessment is essential; the veterinarian will confirm the tick’s location, assess tissue damage, and determine the need for anesthesia or sedation to facilitate safe extraction.
Extraction procedure
- The animal is restrained and, if required, lightly anesthetized.
- A sterile incision is made directly over the tick’s body using a scalpel or fine scissors.
- The tick is grasped with fine forceps at the head and gently pulled outward, avoiding crushing the abdomen.
- The wound is flushed with sterile saline, and the incision is closed with absorbable sutures or skin adhesive, depending on size.
Post‑removal care
- Administer a broad‑spectrum antibiotic (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate) to prevent secondary bacterial infection, following the dosage guidelines for the cat’s weight.
- Provide an anti‑inflammatory drug (e.g., meloxicam) to reduce swelling and pain.
- Apply a topical antiseptic ointment to the incision site and monitor for signs of infection such as redness, discharge, or increased temperature.
- Schedule a follow‑up examination within 7–10 days to evaluate wound healing and remove sutures if non‑absorbable material was used.
Systemic prophylaxis
- Offer a single dose of a tick‑borne disease prophylactic, such as doxycycline, when the tick species is known to transmit pathogens (e.g., Rickettsia spp.).
- Perform baseline blood work (CBC, serum chemistry) and repeat testing after two weeks to detect early seroconversion.
Preventive measures
- Apply a veterinarian‑approved ectoparasitic collar, spot‑on treatment, or oral medication that provides systemic protection against ticks.
- Conduct regular full‑body inspections, especially after outdoor exposure, and promptly remove any attached ticks before they embed.
- Maintain a tidy yard, remove leaf litter, and treat the environment with appropriate acaricides if tick infestation is heavy.
Adhering to this protocol—prompt professional removal, targeted antimicrobial therapy, diligent wound management, and ongoing prevention—maximizes the cat’s recovery and minimizes the risk of tick‑borne disease.