Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/16/2006

Question
My dog had a tick in its ear last week that I removed and discarded.But now it looks all sore there where I removed it.
Is there something I can do for it ? Or will it just heal on its own?
Thank you
 Dawn

Answer
When ticks get into the ear they insert their sucking mouthparts all the way into the cartilage of the ear.  When the tick is removed, the irritating matrix that makes up cartilage is exposed and it causes a severe inflammatory reaction.  THis needs treatment with steroids both topically and by a shot to relieve the inflammation and pain.