What should be used to treat a subcutaneous tick in a dog? - briefly
A systemic acaricide—such as a prescription oral product (e.g., afoxolaner, fluralaner) or a veterinarian‑administered ivermectin formulation—should be administered to eradicate a subcutaneous tick in a dog. Immediate veterinary evaluation is recommended to confirm removal and address possible complications.
What should be used to treat a subcutaneous tick in a dog? - in detail
Subcutaneous ticks embed beneath the skin, often escaping easy visual detection. Early identification relies on palpation of firm nodules, ultrasound imaging, or fine‑needle aspiration to confirm the parasite. Prompt intervention prevents secondary infection, systemic inflammation, and potential transmission of tick‑borne pathogens.
Therapeutic measures fall into two categories: mechanical extraction and pharmacologic management.
- Surgical removal: under general anesthesia, a small incision is made directly over the nodule, the tick is isolated with forceps, and the wound is closed with sutures. This method ensures complete extraction and allows inspection of surrounding tissue for necrosis.
- Pharmacologic therapy: systemic acaricides such as ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg orally once) or milbemycin oxime (0.5 mg/kg orally monthly) reduce residual tick activity and discourage reinfestation. Anti‑inflammatory drugs (e.g., carprofen 4 mg/kg orally once daily for 3 days) mitigate local swelling. Broad‑spectrum antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin‑clavulanate 20 mg/kg orally twice daily for 7 days) address secondary bacterial infection when purulent discharge is present.
- Topical agents: spot‑on formulations containing selamectin or fipronil applied to the dorsal cervical region provide adjunctive protection against additional ectoparasites.
Post‑procedure care includes wound cleaning with chlorhexidine solution, monitoring for signs of infection, and restricting activity for 24–48 hours. Follow‑up examination after one week confirms healing and absence of residual tick tissue.
Owner education emphasizes regular tick checks, use of long‑acting preventatives, and maintenance of a clean environment to reduce exposure.