What injection is given for subcutaneous tick in a cat? - briefly
A single subcutaneous injection of ivermectin at approximately 0.2 mg per kilogram of body weight is used to treat a tick embedded under a cat’s skin. The medication acts systemically as an acaricide, eradicating the parasite.
What injection is given for subcutaneous tick in a cat? - in detail
A subcutaneous administration of ivermectin is the standard pharmacologic approach for a cat with a tick that has penetrated beneath the skin. Ivermectin acts on the parasite’s nervous system, causing paralysis and death, and it also reduces the risk of secondary bacterial infection and inflammatory reaction at the bite site.
The typical protocol includes:
- Dosage: 0.2 mg per kilogram of body weight, injected into the loose tissue of the dorsal neck region.
- Frequency: A single dose is usually sufficient; a repeat dose may be given after 7 days if the tick burden is high or if clinical signs persist.
- Administration technique: Use a sterile 22‑gauge needle, aspirate the calculated volume of the ivermectin solution, and inject slowly to avoid tissue trauma.
Adjunctive measures are recommended to optimize recovery:
- Tick removal: Employ fine‑point tweezers or a specialized tick extractor, grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight upward with steady pressure. Avoid crushing the body to prevent toxin release.
- Anti‑inflammatory therapy: A single subcutaneous dose of dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg) can mitigate localized swelling and systemic inflammation.
- Antibiotic coverage: When the tick is known to transmit bacterial agents (e.g., Bartonella or Rickettsia), a short course of injectable doxycycline (5 mg/kg every 12 hours for 5 days) is advisable.
- Analgesia: Buprenorphine (0.01‑0.02 mg/kg, subcutaneously, every 8‑12 hours) provides pain relief without compromising respiratory function.
Monitoring after injection should focus on:
- Injection site reaction: Look for erythema, swelling, or abscess formation.
- Systemic signs: Record temperature, appetite, and activity level to detect early onset of tick‑borne disease.
- Neurological status: Ivermectin can cross the blood‑brain barrier in certain breeds; observe for tremors, ataxia, or seizures, and discontinue treatment if such signs appear.
If adverse reactions develop, administer flumazenil (0.01 mg/kg, intravenously) to reverse sedation and consider supportive care in a veterinary intensive‑care setting.
In summary, a single subcutaneous dose of ivermectin, supplemented by anti‑inflammatory, analgesic, and, when indicated, antibiotic therapy, constitutes the comprehensive treatment regimen for a cat with a subdermal tick infestation. Proper technique, accurate dosing, and vigilant post‑treatment observation are essential to ensure safety and efficacy.