How can subcutaneous tick in dogs be treated? - briefly
A veterinarian extracts subcutaneous ticks through a small incision, cleans the wound, and prescribes antibiotics or anti‑inflammatory drugs to prevent infection; follow‑up examinations confirm complete recovery.
How can subcutaneous tick in dogs be treated? - in detail
Subcutaneous tick infestations in dogs require prompt and thorough management to prevent systemic complications. The therapeutic approach consists of three phases: removal, pharmacological intervention, and supportive care.
Removal
- Use fine‑pointed forceps or a specialized tick‑extraction tool.
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and apply steady, upward traction without twisting.
- Inspect the bite site for retained mouthparts; if fragments remain, dig deeper with a sterile scalpel to extract them completely.
- Disinfect the area with a chlorhexidine solution or diluted povidone‑iodine.
Pharmacological treatment
- Administer a broad‑spectrum acaricide (e.g., afoxolaner, fluralaner, or sarolaner) according to the label dosage. These agents eradicate residual ticks and protect against future infestations.
- Provide a short course of systemic antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline 5 mg/kg PO BID for 7–10 days) if bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed.
- Offer anti‑inflammatory medication (e.g., carprofen 4 mg/kg PO SID) to reduce local swelling and discomfort.
- Consider a single dose of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg SC) for its antiparasitic and immunomodulatory effects, ensuring the dog is not a known MDR1‑deficient breed.
Supportive care
- Maintain hydration with oral or subcutaneous fluids if the animal shows signs of fever or lethargy.
- Monitor body temperature, appetite, and activity level daily for at least two weeks.
- Schedule a follow‑up examination to assess wound healing and confirm the absence of secondary lesions.
Prevention
- Apply monthly spot‑on or oral preventatives that contain acaricidal ingredients.
- Perform routine body checks after walks in tick‑infested areas, focusing on the skin’s deeper layers where ticks may embed.
- Keep the environment clean: mow lawns, remove leaf litter, and treat the yard with an appropriate acaricide if necessary.
Effective treatment hinges on complete extraction, targeted medication, and diligent aftercare. Early intervention minimizes the risk of tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis, and promotes rapid recovery.