How should a subcutaneous tick be treated in cats? - briefly
Grasp the embedded tick with sterile fine‑point tweezers as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out without twisting. Follow the removal with a veterinarian‑recommended topical acaricide or systemic anti‑tick medication and monitor the site for infection.
How should a subcutaneous tick be treated in cats? - in detail
A subdermal tick embedded beneath the skin of a cat requires prompt, careful removal to prevent infection and systemic disease. The first step is to confirm the presence of a tick that cannot be grasped with standard tweezers because it is lodged under the epidermis.
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Preparation – Gather sterile fine-point forceps, a small sterile needle or a blunt dissecting instrument, antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine), and a clean towel. Wear gloves to maintain asepsis.
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Localization – Gently palpate the area to feel the tick’s outline. If the tick’s head is not visible, make a tiny incision directly over the most prominent point of the swelling, using a sterile needle or scalpel.
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Extraction – Insert the fine-point forceps into the incision, grasp the tick’s body as close to the skin as possible, and apply steady, downward traction. Avoid twisting, which can leave mouthparts behind. If the mouthparts remain, use the needle to gently lift them out.
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Wound care – Irrigate the site with antiseptic solution, then apply a thin layer of a topical antibiotic ointment. Monitor for signs of inflammation, swelling, or discharge.
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Systemic treatment – Administer a broad-spectrum ectoparasiticide approved for felines (e.g., a spot‑on formulation containing selamectin or imidacloprid) to eliminate any remaining parasites and reduce the risk of reinfestation.
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Follow‑up – Observe the cat for at least 24 hours for fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or localized infection. If any of these symptoms develop, seek veterinary evaluation promptly.
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Prevention – Maintain regular tick control using veterinarian‑recommended products, keep the cat indoors when possible, and inspect the coat after outdoor exposure.
Effective management combines precise mechanical removal, antiseptic wound care, appropriate systemic medication, and vigilant post‑procedure monitoring. Failure to address a subdermal tick promptly can lead to secondary bacterial infection, anemia, or transmission of tick‑borne pathogens such as Bartonella or Cytauxzoon felis.