Tick Head Broke Off.... and Lyme Disease Paranoia

Katikins

Katikins

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Found a tick on Freya this morning right in her armpit (typical they choose the ONE place that isn't totally visible on a whippet). Used tweezers and tried to do exactly as the numerous web pages I checked first said. But I definitely broke it somehow... horrible greeny/brown sludge when it came off. Then spent aaaages with tweezers and a torch trying to see if there was anything left inside but it all looked good and could squeeze a bit of blood out. Obviously going to keep an eye on her.

However, can someone reassure me that this doesn't automatically mean she's going to get Lyme disease!?! All I see on the web and facebook etc is that there is a massive increase in ticks at the moment and also Lyme disease but I can't find anywhere what the actual chance is that your dog will get Lyme disease if it's had a tick. My paranoia and worry mode is kicking in and I know its probably unwarranted but still.
 
the risk is still fairly minimal although it does exist, the biggest risk if you leave part of the tick in is localised infection, so keep an eye on the site for heat and swelling and if you notice either go off to the vet for antibiotics.
invest in some tick removers 'tom 'o' tick' are great you get 2 sizes in a packet and they are so easy to use
 
I think if the head has broken off you need to consult a vet as your immediate worry is infection. Your vet should be able to advise you regarding the risk of Lymes disease, which is usually associated with known areas.
Many of the topical flea sprays will also kill ticks rather than picking them off.
 
I live in the new forest where ticks are rife. I will find ticks on my dogs on a weekly basis. I've accidentally broken ticks many of times. Just keep an eye on it. The chances are slim, I'm sure it will be just fine. Not something I would rush to the vet over. Infact I think my forest vets would have a good giggle at my expense if I brought my dog in because of a broken tick.
 
My cat got Lyme disease. The main symptom was lameness that changed legs. One long acting antibiotic injection sorted it as I picked up that something was wrong quite quickly. Having horses does make you good at identifying lameness and his low grade lameness that swapped legs was very odd, so I took him to the vet quickly.
 
Don't worry.it sounds like you've got it all out ok but as already said just make sure the bite doesn't get infected. I've had Lyme disease and if it's the same for dogs a circular rash develops around the bite site within a few days accompanied by flu like symptons. Are you in a Known Lyme area? If not don't worry too much
 
I have lymes disease too. When i first got it i was on antibiotics for several months - i imagine it would be the same for a dog. If they had it, i think its quite rare though.
Also not all species of tick carry lymes only deer ticks.
 
I was given a tip on dealing with ticks a few years ago that works well. A good blob of liquid soap, completely covering tick causes it to release its hold and drop off. No danger of half a tick.
 
ribbons said:
I was given a tip on dealing with ticks a few years ago that works well. A good blob of liquid soap, completely covering tick causes it to release its hold and drop off. No danger of half a tick.
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ALL the tricks the cause the tick to drop off, smothering in vaseline, burning, covering in soap and even frontline direct on the tick cause it to regurgitate its stomach content BEFORE it releases increasing the risk of any disease it is carrying being passed on to the host. tick removers are the safest way to remove a tick as they are not aggitated before removal
 
I am an expert in removal [cats] and agree the tick remover is the best thing, but I have never had anything other than lesions if there is a removal problem.
I find Spot on [or whatever it is called] from the vet is quite good but I don't like using long term insecticides things all the time.
I would never use tweezers, using fingernails is OK if you you have the knack, but best is to buy the tick removers.
 
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I had to help de-tick a rescue dog in Cyprus recently. I lost count of how many ticks we removed from him in various stages of bloatedness..yuk! Tick collars were an absolute necessity there as they have a few tick borne diseases which are very nasty. I did notice however that the ones I'd removed by hand came out cleanly whereas with the tick remover the bite area started bleeding. Helps to have good length nails though. I'd also avoid tweezers as they can squeeze the body of the tick.
 
Tick removers are great, our last BC used to get ticks weekly, most I found was ten at one time, luckily most still crawling about looking for a yummy bit of flesh. He was fairly long coated and I would occasionally miss one and find it after it had fallen off, never had any signs of lymes.
 
TrasaM said:
I had to help de-tick a rescue dog in Cyprus recently. I lost count of how many ticks we removed from him in various stages of bloatedness..yuk! Tick collars were an absolute necessity there as they have a few tick borne diseases which are very nasty. I did notice however that the ones I'd removed by hand came out cleanly whereas with the tick remover the bite area started bleeding. Helps to have good length nails though. I'd also avoid tweezers as they can squeeze the body of the tick.
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in theory a little bleeding is good as it flushes the wound
 
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