Tick bite

Discussion in 'Labrador Health' started by lorilou61, Jun 10, 2014.

  1. lorilou61

    lorilou61 Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 13, 2014
    Messages:
    363
    Location:
    Indiana USA
    Almost 1 month ago the OH removed a dead tick from Edsel's noggin. A tiny bit of fur came out at the time and I noticed hadn't grown back but up until about 3 days ago no sore or open skin of any kind. Then noticed it was red and open but no swelling or drainage. It doesn't seem to be bothering him at all . I started putting hydrocortisone ointment on it the day it looked angry and it does seem to be improving. Should I notify the vet or wait and watch? I also am concerned that in addition to no illness his little bald spot fills back in with fur. It's about the size of the tip of my pinky finger.

    Lori
     
  2. lablover

    lablover Registered Users

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2014
    Messages:
    862
    Re: Tick bite

    If you're unsure, then maybe contact vet especially if the wound is red and open. Best be be on safe side, especially if wound red and open. Not trying to scare you or anything but infection could set in.
     
  3. drjs@5

    drjs@5 Registered Users

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2012
    Messages:
    15,335
    Location:
    Fife, Scotland
    Re: Tick bite

    I have had this happen to Lilly, but not maybe as long as a month after the bite.
    We not infrequently end up with a little bald patch and a scab (some-one once likened it to a cigarette burn!) after ticks.
    I think what you are describing might be a granuloma......I think I was advised some antibiotic/steroid cream when it happened to us, but I only used it for a few days. I am a bit of a non-interventionist kind of gal ;) Went away after a few weeks.
    If in doubt....ask your vet!
     
  4. lorilou61

    lorilou61 Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 13, 2014
    Messages:
    363
    Location:
    Indiana USA
    Re: Tick bite

    Decided I wasn't going to rest easy until Edsel was seen by vet. He doesn't think it's anything serious but as a precaution since we know there was a tick we've started a 14 day course of antibiotic. Hoping that doesn't upset his belly too much.

    Lori
     
  5. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 24, 2012
    Messages:
    11,185
    Re: Tick bite

    Gosh, things are so different here! At the moment I am picking ticks off Poppy every day...
     
  6. bbrown

    bbrown Moderator Forum Supporter

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2011
    Messages:
    9,435
    Re: Tick bite

    I had to remove an attached tick a few weeks back. Tick collar on now!
     
  7. lorilou61

    lorilou61 Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 13, 2014
    Messages:
    363
    Location:
    Indiana USA
    Re: Tick bite

    We live in a high tick, high Lymes disease area. Edsel is treated monthly to keep risk down. But this bite area just wouldn't clear up. After first dose of antibiotic last night it is already much better! :D
     
  8. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 24, 2012
    Messages:
    11,185
    Re: Tick bite

    Out of interest, did the vet do a blood test for Lyme disease?
     
  9. lorilou61

    lorilou61 Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 13, 2014
    Messages:
    363
    Location:
    Indiana USA
    Re: Tick bite

    We didn't at this time as Edsel hasn't been exhibiting any signs of illness at all. Just going to continue to monitor him closely. It's a constant worry for both dogs and people here. Always have to be on the alert.
     
  10. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 24, 2012
    Messages:
    11,185
    Re: Tick bite

    Indeed. Whereabouts are you?
     
  11. lorilou61

    lorilou61 Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 13, 2014
    Messages:
    363
    Location:
    Indiana USA
    Re: Tick bite

    Southern Indiana near the Ohio River valley in the US.
     
  12. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 24, 2012
    Messages:
    11,185
    Re: Tick bite

    Aha!! I thought you might be going to say the New Forest in Hampshire in southern England! Oops!! :D
     
  13. lorilou61

    lorilou61 Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 13, 2014
    Messages:
    363
    Location:
    Indiana USA
    Re: Tick bite

    Ha! Not quite! But that sounds like a lovely place.
     
  14. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 24, 2012
    Messages:
    11,185
    Re: Tick bite

    Southern Indiana sounds lovely too. :)
     
  15. lorilou61

    lorilou61 Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 13, 2014
    Messages:
    363
    Location:
    Indiana USA
    Re: Tick bite

    Ok, The spot on Edsel's little noggin initially improved when we started the antibiotics but now looks like losing more fur. Still no swelling or drainage, just dry and crusty and missing fur. He does not scratch at it or act as if it bothers him at all. No signs of any illness. I am alternating hydrocortisone and antibiotic ointment but don't know anything else to do but talk with vet again. Does this sound like possible hot spot?

    Lori
     
  16. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

    Joined:
    May 24, 2012
    Messages:
    11,185
    Re: Tick bite

    I think if it's not improving I'd ask for a blood test.
     

Share This Page