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Why isn't my puppy's tick bite healing after 4 months? It has a lump.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 11 months old | 8 lbs

My puppy had gotten a tic on his lower back late this summer and once i noticed it, i removed it right away. It's been at least 4 months since the tic was removed but the area still hasnt healed. It has a lump formed under the area now, and it doesn't ever fully scab over. Help please!!??

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 13th, 2019

Oh my. Poor guy. This is quite unusual for a tick bite to cause this much tissue damage. I suspect there is likely a resistant bacteria involved here and the tissue around the edges of this do not appear healthy. This area needs to be surgically debrided to remove the dead and diseased tissue and then I would highly consider getting this area cultured ot determine what antibiotic will help resolve this. I am so sorry your pet is having a hard time healing this area, but this is going to require some thorough management if this is every going to heal properly. I would recommend scheduling an appt with your vet as soon as you can.
Until you can get in to your vet, its best to clean this with Betadine diluted 50;50 with water.
Best of luck moving forward with Brodee's wound. Take care.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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