How to treat subcutaneous ticks in pets? - briefly
Extract the tick with fine‑pointed tweezers or a dedicated removal tool, disinfect the wound, and monitor for inflammation. Consult a veterinarian for systemic antiparasitic therapy and preventive strategies.
How to treat subcutaneous ticks in pets? - in detail
Subcutaneous ticks embed beneath the skin, making visual identification difficult. Early detection relies on palpation of firm nodules, often accompanied by localized swelling or a small puncture wound. Veterinary examination with dermatoscopy or ultrasound can confirm the presence of a live parasite.
Removal requires a sterile approach. The recommended procedure includes:
- Administering a short‑acting sedative or local anesthetic to minimize animal stress.
- Using a fine‑pointed, sterile needle or a small incision scalpel to expose the tick’s anterior end.
- Grasping the tick with fine forceps, applying steady traction parallel to the skin surface to avoid tearing the mouthparts.
- Inspecting the extracted specimen for completeness; any retained fragments must be surgically excised.
Following extraction, systemic therapy is essential to eliminate residual pathogens and reduce inflammation. Typical protocols involve:
- A single dose of an oral acaricide such as afoxolaner, fluralaner, or sarolaner, adjusted to the pet’s weight.
- An anti‑inflammatory regimen, often a short course of non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids, depending on the severity of the local reaction.
- Broad‑spectrum antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline) if laboratory testing indicates bacterial co‑infection, especially with Borrelia or Rickettsia species.
Monitoring continues for 7‑10 days. Owners should observe the incision site for signs of infection, such as increased redness, discharge, or heat, and report any systemic symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever. If complications arise, repeat imaging may be required to detect hidden tick remnants.
Preventive measures minimize future infestations:
- Routine application of spot‑on or oral tick preventatives throughout the tick season.
- Regular grooming sessions to inspect the coat, especially in dense or long‑haired breeds.
- Environmental control, including yard mowing, removal of leaf litter, and treatment of outdoor areas with appropriate acaricides.
Adhering to this protocol ensures complete eradication of embedded ticks, reduces the risk of vector‑borne disease, and promotes rapid recovery for the animal.