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tick bite i have an 8 lb 3 year old male Yorkie. He is allergic to the Lyme vaccine and I put Frontline on monthly although the last time was Sept 1 (hadn't done Oct yet). Yesterday (Oct 8) I found a small tick on his head (small enough to be a deer tick). This was not the first time I'd found a tick on him but when I pulled it out carefully I did not get it all the first time. I used tweezers to be sure all came out. It was bloody so I think it had been there long enough to give him a good bite. I was in a backyard where there are not likely deer because it was fenced - but I think that is wishful thinking! I tried to clean the area. It was reddened and inflammed. Now there is a shallow "scab" about the size of a pea. It doesn't bother him at all. I put the Frontline on him today (was out of town when this happened!). Anyone have any experience with what to do after the tick bite? Or has anyone prophylactically started antibiotics to prevent Lyme disease? I want to do whatever I can to prevent Lyme disease. I'm hoping that some of the Frontline was still in his system. I would love some advice! Thanks |
Usually the tick has to be attached for 48 hours for transmission to occur. I found this brochure about Lyme and your dog...basically if you have the tick, you should take it to the vet along with your dog. http://www.LymePrevention.com/pdfs/Lyme_brochure.pdf I'm not sure about prophylactic treatment. I'd definitely call my vet on this one. |
thanks! unfortunately, i don't have the tick because it came off in two pieces. i do plan to call my vet on tuesday when they open. i didn't want to miss a window of opportunity to do something for him between now and then. i am reassured that the tick needs to be there for 48 hours though. it was on his head in an obvious spot, so i don't think it was there very long! (at least i hope!) |
Not sure if you are in Cambridge MA but why not give Angell a call and just ask them if you need to bring him in sooner - maybe they will give you some info! Or call here at OSVS in RI, they will prob answer you if you call. Also just an aside - the frontline lasts for more than 30 days so if you gave it to him on 9/1 you are probably still ok plus the fact that the tick was not attached for the req'd 48. I'd still call for reassurance tonight :) |
thanks! i will check in with the vet and let you know. |
tick bite I wouldn't start him on any prescription until he's been tested. The 48 hour rule is a good one. Keep cleaning it with alcohol and watch for redness. If you are in an area where you find ticks, there is a little tick remover that is the best thing I have ever used. It looks like a little spoon with a handle and the spoon part has a slit in it. You slide the spoon with the slit under the tick from the back. Then gently push the spoon upward and the tick will come off with the head still attached. We have used it many times and the head always comes out. I ordered mine from Drs. Foster and Smith. |
Hi and Welcome to YT! Beg to differ... The first cleaning only should be with Hydrogen Peroxide*, rinse well, then use Betadine and a triple antibiotic ointment. Alcohol is way too painful to use on open wounds.... pets or people. Keep the wound moist (with the ointment is fine) and don't allow it to scab over. Infection could set in under the scab, especially if the tickhead wasn't removed. It should work it's way out in a day or two. Tickbites can also leave a hard lump, this is normally cellulitis, a reaction of the surrounding cells being damaged by the tickbite and the dog's immune system, and will clear up after a while, usually 2-4 weeks sometimes longer depending on the extent of the bite. *Note: Using Hydrogen Peroxide after the initial cleansing may harm any new tissue trying to grow and can prolong the healing process. |
thanks for the advice. i am quite sure the head was removed. the area is clean and there is a normal looking scab without any redness around it. i will check in with my vet tomorrow. i called a covering vet this weekend and they just wanted me to bring him in - which i don't think is necessary. i am thinking that i will have him tested in the next few weeks. i know that the lyme titer in humans doesn't elevate right away. so i may have to wait. i am inclined not to try to clean the scab off since it looks so normal and healthy. also the area is NOT bothering him at all. thoughts? |
Posted Outdated info Quote:
The best thing to use is Saline solution and liquid soap for cleaning wounds, as tap water is okay but may sting a bit. Antibacterial soap is not necessary. Do not use Hydrogen Peroxide at all. |
Hi I spoke with my vet today. She said that she would not test a Yorkie for Lyme until he is symptomatic which can be one to two months. She said that some dogs are Lyme antibody positive without ever showing signs. She wants me to wait to do anything and just watch him. The wound is healing and he is acting fine. Fingers crossed. Thanks! |
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