A bump after a tick in a dog: how to properly treat a tumor and in which cases it is better to contact a veterinarian
Ticks are dangerous not only for humans, but also for dogs. The bites of these parasites have unpleasant consequences in the form of infection with dangerous infections, therefore, if a bloodsucker is found on the body of a pet, it should be removed as soon as possible. However, breeders are often faced with the fact that after a tick bite, a strange lump appeared in a dog. It is worthwhile to figure out in advance how to act in this case.
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What does a parasite bite look like?
The bump is a small seal that looks like edema. But unlike it, the bite formation is more solid, a kind of ball is palpated under the skin. The outer skin can change color as a result of hyperemia, but it does not always occur.
Why does a bump appear at the site of a tick bite
In some cases, the appearance of a bump at the site of the bite may be a natural reaction of the body, but there are other reasons.
Allergy
When a tick pierces the skin, it immediately injects saliva, which contains substances that cause allergies. This reason for the formation of a seal is the most common. The bump does not cause problems to the pet, with the exception of moderate itching, and does not cause changes in his behavior. The formation is dense, redness of the skin may appear, the hair at the site of the bite may bristle, fall out or change color.
Inflammation due to improper removal of the parasite
Due to improper removal of the pest, its head may remain under the skin. If the breeder did not pay attention to this in a timely manner, an inflammatory process or suppuration begins to develop at the site of the bite. In such cases, the tumor does not appear immediately, but a few days after the bite, does not decrease over time, but only increases in size.
With the appearance of suppuration, the formation grows more rapidly, acquires a red tint. Most often, such a bump does not cause problems for the dog, the touch is painless. In such cases, 3 scenarios are possible:
The inflammatory process will end without intervention, but a capsule will remain under the skin - a fragment of the body of the parasite, surrounded by connective tissue. The immune system will no longer regard the object as foreign and will calm down.
As a result of inflammation, pus or fistula is formed. Over time, the fistula will mature, open and its contents will come out. After that, the cavity that he occupied will be closed with connective tissue.
If the fragments of the body of the tick did not penetrate very deep under the skin, over time the body itself will reject them as a foreign body.
Infection
Accession of a secondary infection is possible when the dog itself introduces it when scratching the bite.
In severe cases, this can lead to the development of an abscess, the treatment of which requires surgical intervention.
Symptoms of infection are fever, loss of appetite, lethargy. The formation at the site of the bite turns red, significantly increases in size, touching it is painful.
Local reactions to a tick bite
A slight local reaction may occur to the bite, manifesting itself in the form of a slight inflammation and the formation of a seal. If the bump does not increase in size, does not cause discomfort to the dog, then nothing needs to be done.
What to do if a seal is found after removing a tick
Immediately after the formation of a bump, it is impossible to determine the cause of its occurrence, however, in order to reduce the risk of negative consequences, it is necessary to act immediately.
How to treat a bite first aid for a pet
Treat the wound with an antiseptic immediately after removing the parasite. Any of the following will work:
- alcohol solution;
- iodine;
- chlorhexidine;
- hydrogen peroxide;
- brilliant green.
After that, you need to contact your veterinarian. He will select the appropriate drug to relieve swelling and inflammation, depending on the cause of the bumps.
How to properly treat a bump after removing a tick
Special treatment is not required if the color of the skin has not changed and the dog does not experience discomfort. The above suggests that the inflammatory process is not developing at the moment, however, during the first seven days, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the skin and treat it with an antiseptic.
Negative reactions in the form of suppuration and inflammation most often occur after a week.
If painful sensations appear at the site of the bite, signs of purulent inflammation should be contacted by a veterinarian.
If the cause of the inflammation is the detached head of the tick, it is first necessary to remove it, after which antibiotic therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
If the cause is an infection under local anesthesia, the wound is surgically cleaned of pus. Further treatment consists in treating the wound with drugs that have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties. Also, depending on the severity of the case, the veterinarian may prescribe a systemic antibiotic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
How to avoid bumps in your dog
You need to act carefully, it is advisable to use special tools. The parasite is removed by twisting, after which the wound must be treated and carefully examined. The remaining fragments of the parasite are visible to the naked eye: they look like a small black dot in the middle of the bite.
In what cases should you contact the veterinarian
Immediately after a tick bite, it is necessary to monitor the general condition of the pet and the wound. If a seal has formed, contrary to popular belief, it should not be heated. If seals are not felt under it, it is soft, then most likely an inflammatory process has begun and you need to see a doctor.
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