How long does treatment of a subcutaneous tick in dogs last? - briefly
Treatment usually lasts 7–10 days, varying with the drug chosen and the tick’s depth. A follow‑up veterinary exam after the course confirms complete resolution.
How long does treatment of a subcutaneous tick in dogs last? - in detail
The time required to manage a tick that has migrated beneath the skin of a dog depends on the removal technique, the presence of infection, and any systemic therapy prescribed.
Removal of the embedded parasite is the first step. If the tick is still partially visible, a veterinarian can use fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal hook to grasp the head and pull straight upward. When the tick is completely subcutaneous, the practitioner may need to make a small incision, excise the lesion, and suture the site. This surgical procedure typically lasts 15–30 minutes, and the wound is closed in the same appointment.
Post‑procedure care includes:
- Antibiotic course: 7–14 days of an appropriate oral antibiotic (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate) if bacterial contamination is suspected.
- Anti‑inflammatory medication: 3–5 days of a non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drug to reduce swelling and pain.
- Topical wound management: Daily cleaning with a mild antiseptic solution for the first 3–5 days, followed by observation for signs of infection.
Follow‑up examinations are recommended:
- First check: 2–3 days after the procedure to assess wound healing and adjust medications if needed.
- Second check: 7–10 days post‑treatment to confirm resolution of inflammation and absence of secondary infection.
- Final assessment: 2–4 weeks later to ensure complete tissue recovery and to remove sutures if non‑absorbable material was used.
If systemic signs such as fever, lethargy, or joint pain develop, additional diagnostics (blood work, imaging) may be required, extending the overall management period by another 1–2 weeks until the underlying condition resolves.
In summary, the core therapeutic phase lasts approximately one to two weeks, with scheduled re‑evaluations extending the total care timeline to three to four weeks for full recovery.