How does a subcutaneous tick appear in a cat and how should it be treated? - briefly
A subcutaneous tick embeds beneath the cat’s skin, forming a firm, often painless nodule that may become inflamed or ulcerated. Prompt veterinary removal—typically by incision and careful extraction, followed by wound cleaning and, if needed, antimicrobial therapy—prevents infection and systemic disease.
How does a subcutaneous tick appear in a cat and how should it be treated? - in detail
A subcutaneous tick becomes embedded beneath the skin when the parasite’s mouthparts penetrate the dermis and anchor in the connective tissue. This occurs most often when a cat brushes against vegetation infested with ticks, allowing the insect to attach and then migrate deeper as it feeds. The tick’s hypostome, equipped with barbs and cement-like secretions, secures it in the subdermal layer, making visual detection difficult.
Clinical signs include a localized swelling that may feel firm or fluctuant, occasional erythema, and a small puncture wound at the entry point. Cats may exhibit intermittent pruritus, reduced grooming of the area, or signs of systemic illness such as lethargy, fever, or anemia if the tick transmits pathogens.
Diagnosis relies on careful palpation of the affected region, often aided by gentle compression to feel a hard, oval structure under the skin. Ultrasonography or fine‑needle aspiration can confirm the presence of a tick when visual inspection fails. Laboratory tests for tick‑borne diseases (e.g., Bartonella, Babesia, Rickettsia) should be performed if systemic symptoms are present.
Treatment protocol:
- Sedation or anesthesia – ensures the cat remains still and reduces stress during removal.
- Incision and extraction – a small sterile cut over the swelling allows direct access; the tick is grasped with fine forceps and extracted whole to avoid leaving mouthparts behind.
- Wound care – irrigate the cavity with sterile saline, apply a topical antiseptic, and monitor for infection.
- Systemic therapy – administer a broad‑spectrum antibiotic (e.g., doxycycline) if bacterial infection is suspected, and consider antiparasitic medication (e.g., ivermectin or selamectin) to address any residual infestation.
- Follow‑up – reassess the site after 7–10 days for signs of inflammation or secondary infection; repeat blood work if clinical condition does not improve.
Prevention measures include regular application of approved ectoparasitic preventatives, routine inspection of the coat after outdoor exposure, and maintenance of a tick‑free environment through yard treatment and limiting access to heavily infested areas. Consistent prophylaxis reduces the likelihood of deep‑tissue tick attachment and associated health risks.