How should subcutaneous ticks in animals be treated? - briefly
Subcutaneous ticks should be excised surgically under aseptic conditions, taking care to remove the entire mouthpart. Apply a topical antiseptic and administer a systemic acaricide, then monitor the site for inflammation or secondary infection.
How should subcutaneous ticks in animals be treated? - in detail
Subcutaneous ticks are parasites that lodge beneath the dermis, often escaping routine visual inspection. Their presence can provoke local inflammation, tissue necrosis, and secondary bacterial infection.
Accurate diagnosis relies on systematic palpation of suspect areas, followed by imaging techniques when tactile assessment is inconclusive. Ultrasonography distinguishes live ticks from granulomatous nodules; radiography may reveal calcified remnants after migration.
Removal requires sterile surgical access. After aseptic preparation, a small incision is made directly over the palpable mass. The tick is grasped with fine forceps and extracted in one piece to prevent rupture. The wound is irrigated with antiseptic solution, and hemostasis is achieved before closure with a single absorbable suture.
Adjunctive pharmacotherapy includes:
- Systemic acaricides (e.g., ivermectin, selamectin) administered at label‑recommended doses to eliminate residual parasites.
- Broad‑spectrum antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate) for 7–10 days when bacterial contamination is suspected.
- Non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling.
Post‑procedural management involves daily wound inspection, topical antiseptic application, and monitoring for signs of infection such as purulent discharge or escalating temperature. Nutritional support and hydration maintenance aid tissue recovery.
Preventive measures focus on regular ectoparasite control programs, environmental tick reduction through pasture management, and routine physical examinations, especially in species prone to deep‑skin infestations.