How can you check for a subcutaneous tick in dogs? - briefly
Palpate the dog's skin—especially the back, neck, and limbs—to feel for firm, oval swellings that move slightly under the coat, which indicate a hidden tick. If a nodule is found, gently lift the area, grasp the tick’s mouthparts with fine forceps, and pull it out, then verify complete removal by visual inspection.
How can you check for a subcutaneous tick in dogs? - in detail
Detecting a tick that has lodged beneath the skin in a dog requires a systematic approach that combines visual examination, tactile assessment, and, when necessary, diagnostic imaging.
First, conduct a thorough visual scan while the animal is restrained or calm. Use a bright light to inspect common attachment sites—ears, neck, armpits, groin, tail base, and between the toes. Look for small puncture marks, redness, or a raised bump that may indicate a hidden parasite. A magnifying lens can help reveal subtle lesions.
Second, employ palpation. Gently press along the skin in the areas listed above, feeling for firm, dome‑shaped nodules that differ from normal tissue. A subcutaneous tick often feels like a hard, slightly mobile lump beneath the epidermis.
If a suspicious nodule is found, follow these steps:
- Clean the area with antiseptic solution to reduce infection risk.
- Apply gentle pressure around the lump to see if the tick becomes visible or can be coaxed out.
- Use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick removal hook to grasp the tick’s mouthparts if they emerge.
- If the tick remains concealed, seek veterinary assistance for imaging.
Veterinary diagnostics may include:
- High‑frequency ultrasound: visualizes the tick’s body within the subdermal layer and distinguishes it from cysts or granulomas.
- Fine‑needle aspiration: extracts a small sample of tissue for microscopic examination, confirming the presence of a tick.
- Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): reserved for deep or atypical locations where ultrasound is inconclusive.
After removal, clean the site again, apply a topical antiseptic, and monitor for signs of infection or inflammation over the next 24–48 hours. Record the tick’s identification if possible, as this information assists in assessing disease risk.
Regular preventive measures—monthly tick preventatives, routine grooming, and environmental control—reduce the likelihood of hidden infestations and simplify early detection.