How should subcutaneous ticks in domestic animals be treated?

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How should subcutaneous ticks in domestic animals be treated? - briefly
Remove the embedded tick surgically or with fine forceps after appropriate sedation, then administer a systemic acaricidal medication and monitor for signs of infection. Provide analgesia and, if secondary bacterial invasion is suspected, give prophylactic antibiotics.

How should subcutaneous ticks in domestic animals be treated? - in detail
Subcutaneous tick infestations in companion and livestock species require prompt, systematic intervention to prevent tissue damage, secondary infection, and pathogen transmission. Initial assessment should confirm the presence of a tick lodged beneath the skin, often indicated by a palpable nodule, localized swelling, or a small puncture wound with a protruding tick body.

Physical extraction

Sterilize a fine‑pointed forceps or a specialized tick removal clamp.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible without crushing the abdomen.
Apply steady, gentle traction to pull the parasite out in one motion.
Inspect the removed tick for the head and mouthparts; retained fragments necessitate surgical excision.

Local wound care

Irrigate the entry site with sterile saline.
Apply an antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine 0.05 % or povidone‑iodine) to reduce bacterial colonisation.
Cover with a non‑adhesive dressing if the animal is likely to lick or scratch the area.

Systemic therapy

Administer an acaricidal agent appropriate for the species and weight:

Isoxazoline class (e.g., afoxolaner, fluralaner) – oral, rapid onset, effective against embedded stages.
Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin, doramectin) – injectable or oral, dosage adjusted for age and breed.

For severe inflammation, a short course of non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to alleviate pain and swelling.

Monitoring and follow‑up

Re‑examine the site within 48–72 hours for signs of infection, persistent swelling, or residual tick parts.
Conduct a fecal or blood screening if the tick species is known to transmit vector‑borne diseases (e.g., Babesia, Anaplasma).
Schedule a booster acaricide dose according to the product’s residual activity to prevent re‑infestation.

Preventive measures

Implement a regular ectoparasite control program using collars, spot‑on formulations, or oral preventatives.
Perform routine skin inspections after outdoor exposure, focusing on ear margins, interdigital spaces, and perianal regions where ticks commonly attach.
Maintain pasture hygiene and employ environmental acaricides in high‑risk areas to reduce tick populations.

Veterinary consultation is essential when the animal exhibits systemic signs (fever, lethargy), when the tick species is unknown, or when contraindications to specific acaricides exist (e.g., MDR1‑mutant dogs and certain macrocyclic lactones). Proper execution of these steps minimizes tissue trauma, curtails pathogen transmission, and supports rapid recovery.