How can subcutaneous ticks be treated in domestic cats? - briefly
Extract the embedded tick using a sterile fine‑pointed forceps, disinfect the area, and follow up with a veterinarian‑approved topical or oral acaricide to eliminate residual parasites and prevent infection. Monitor the site for inflammation and seek professional care if signs of secondary infection appear.
How can subcutaneous ticks be treated in domestic cats? - in detail
Subcutaneous ticks embed beneath the skin, making visual identification difficult. Early detection relies on palpation of firm nodules, often accompanied by localized swelling or mild discomfort. Veterinary examination should include a thorough skin assessment and, when necessary, ultrasonography to confirm the presence of embedded parasites.
Removal procedures require aseptic technique. The recommended steps are:
- Prepare the area with an antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine) and shave hair if needed.
- Apply a local anesthetic (lidocaine 2 %) to minimize pain.
- Use fine‑point forceps or a specialized tick‑removal instrument to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
- Apply steady, gentle traction while rotating the instrument to extract the tick intact; avoid crushing the body to prevent pathogen release.
- Inspect the removed specimen for completeness; retained mouthparts may necessitate surgical excision.
Post‑extraction care includes:
- Cleaning the wound with sterile saline.
- Applying a topical antibiotic ointment (e.g., mupirocin) to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
- Administering a short course of systemic antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate) if clinical signs of infection appear.
- Providing analgesia (e.g., meloxicam) for 24–48 hours when discomfort is evident.
Systemic therapy may be required when ticks have transmitted pathogens. Common protocols involve:
- Doxycycline 5 mg/kg PO every 12 hours for 21 days to address potential ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis.
- Azithromycin 10 mg/kg PO once daily for 7 days for suspected Bartonella infection.
- Supportive fluids and anti‑inflammatory agents for severe systemic reactions.
Preventive measures reduce the risk of future subdermal infestations:
- Apply a veterinarian‑approved ectoparasiticide (e.g., selamectin, fluralaner) according to label intervals.
- Conduct monthly body checks, focusing on common attachment sites such as the neck, back, and limbs.
- Maintain a clean indoor environment; limit outdoor exposure during peak tick activity seasons.
Follow‑up examinations at 7 and 14 days post‑treatment confirm wound healing and assess for residual infection. Laboratory testing (CBC, PCR for tick‑borne pathogens) should be performed if systemic signs develop. Continuous preventive regimen combined with prompt removal ensures effective management of subcutaneous tick infestations in domestic felines.