trini
Forums Sage
This description really sounds like a skin tag. But if you are worried about it I would have your vet take a look.
Small strange growth on ear
- Thread starter Daleford
- Start date
This description really sounds like a skin tag. But if you are worried about it I would have your vet take a look.
Links are working fine now...thanks.
The shape of the "growth" looks like an engorged tick...but the coloring doesn't. In one of the photos there seems to be a bit of red skin around the base...it the base skin looking irritated?
Another question: does Burwick shake his head or scratch at his ear? Most dogs would if this was a tick or something else foreign to their body.
Trini
PS had to laugh at the "I barfed on the carpet" pic...poor Burwick...the picnic plate of shame.
No redness that I can see and it is not bothering him I don't thing. I will watch.
I forgot about the barfed pic -- LOL
mmcginty
Forums Enthusiast
That looks like a tick to me, and I have seen them that color. It might be a good idea to have your vet remove it, the ear could be a little tricky. Brandy had one on her eyelid once, and I broke the head off trying to remove it.
I don't think I'd watch it very long -- if it is a skin tag and you just noticed it, it's growing awfully fast. If it's a tick they lay hundreds to thousands of eggs.
corbinam
Moderator
I second this. I think it's a tick that needs removed.
corbinam
Moderator
I'm not sure the policy at your vet but I'd think that a tech could remove the tick. I would call and ask if you can drop by tomorrow sometime and have a tech remove it. You can leave your Tuesday appointment on the calendar in case it's something more serious.
mmcginty
Forums Enthusiast
Note that this is just anecdotal, not necessarily advice, but I have removed all the ticks my dogs have picked up myself (the one on the eyelid wasn't highly successful, otoh, the tick was in fact gone when I was done, I just had to take her in for antibiotics after that one.) We used to live in an area frequented by deer; those things are walking tick factories.
One time we were driving and I felt one on Jake, I went straight to CVS, bought a pair of tweezers and pulled that sucker off in the parking lot!
None of them attached to their ears, but if they had I would've held the tip of the ear to keep it from flexing as I pulled, as much as possible.
There are tons of good articles found by google about tick removal. You should NOT use alcohol or heat in an attempt to disengage the tick, as that can make matters worse. AFTER REMOVAL you can put it in alcohol to kill it and preserve it for later identification if needed.
Again I'm not advising you to try to remove it yourself, nor am I advising against it, but I surely wouldn't leave it there for 5 days.
Hanne
Forums Sage
Again I'm not advising you to try to remove it yourself, nor am I advising against it, but I surely wouldn't leave it there for 5 days.
I agree with - mmcginty
If this is removed within 24 hours, so there should be less risk of getting the infection.
I take my nails around the tick down toward the bottom of the ear - clamps and a quick move, so I get it all, if there would be little left, this is better than you let the tick sit.
I agree with - mmcginty
If this is removed within 24 hours, so there should be less risk of getting the infection.
I take my nails around the tick down toward the bottom of the ear - clamps and a quick move, so I get it all, if there would be little left, this is better than you let the tick sit.
Job is done
A closer look last night convinced me this was for sure a bug! This morning I called the vet again and yes, a tech could remove it. We paid a visit and the job is done. They allowed me to watch the removal of the tick and sent me home with the tools to do it myself if I feel brave the next time.
Burwick wants to send thanks to everybody here!!
A closer look last night convinced me this was for sure a bug! This morning I called the vet again and yes, a tech could remove it. We paid a visit and the job is done. They allowed me to watch the removal of the tick and sent me home with the tools to do it myself if I feel brave the next time.
Burwick wants to send thanks to everybody here!!