Subcutaneous tick: what is the disease called in dogs? - briefly
The condition is known as a subcutaneous tick infestation, which can produce a cutaneous granuloma in the affected dog. Treatment focuses on surgical removal of the tick and monitoring for secondary infections.
Subcutaneous tick: what is the disease called in dogs? - in detail
Subcutaneous ticks embed beneath the dermis of dogs, producing a condition generally termed canine subcutaneous tick infestation. Veterinary literature also refers to it as subcutaneous tick disease (CSTD). The parasite most often involved belongs to the genus Amblyomma or Rhipicephalus, depending on geographic region.
Clinical presentation includes:
- Localized swelling or firm nodules at the attachment site
- Dermal ulceration following tick removal
- Secondary bacterial infection, manifested by purulent discharge
- Systemic signs such as fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite
- Hematologic abnormalities, notably anemia and thrombocytopenia in severe cases
Diagnostic approach consists of:
- Physical examination to locate subcutaneous nodules
- Ultrasonography or high‑frequency imaging to visualize the embedded tick
- Fine‑needle aspiration of the nodule for cytology, confirming tick fragments
- Serologic testing for tick‑borne pathogens (e.g., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp.) when systemic involvement is suspected
Therapeutic protocol includes:
- Surgical or minimally invasive removal of the tick under aseptic conditions
- Broad‑spectrum antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanic acid) for bacterial superinfection
- Anti‑inflammatory agents, such as non‑steroidal drugs, to reduce swelling
- Supportive care: fluid therapy, nutritional support, and monitoring of hematologic parameters
- Antiparasitic prophylaxis (e.g., topical acaricides or oral isoxazoline products) to prevent reinfestation
Prevention strategies focus on regular tick checks, environmental control, and consistent use of approved acaricidal treatments. Early detection and prompt removal reduce the risk of tissue damage and systemic complications associated with this subcutaneous tick disease.