Evaluation of four manual tick‐removal devices for dogs and cats

Effective methods for tick removal: A systematic review

“…All six studies were nonrandomized controlled animal studies. Tick removal methods were tested on various animals: sheep, pigs, dogs, cats, laboratory rabbits, guinea pigs or hedgehogs and 2 unidentified hosts …”

“…In the studies the following tick species were used: Rhipicephalus sanguineus , I. ricinus , Dermacentor reticulates , Ixodes hexagonus , Haemaphysalis concinna , Dermacentor variabilis , and Amblyomma americanum ticks …”

“…Two studies compared topical chemical treatments (gasoline, nail polish or methylated spirit or petroleum jelly, finger nail polish, or 70% isopropyl alcohol) or heat (a wooden kitchen match was struck, allowed to burn until red hot, then blown out and immediately held to the dorsum of the tick for 5 to 10 sec) followed by mechanical removal, two studies compared the use of forceps, and four studies compared the use of commercial devices . Detailed characteristics of the included studies can be found in Table .…”

Manual removal of ticks

“…SIR, — Further to Bradley Viner's letter ( VR , October 21, 2006, vol 159, p 572) concerning the research on tick removal (Zenner and others 2006), I strongly agree that killing the tick with, for example, fipronil and leaving it in situ results in the least damage to the host. I have been using this method for more than 15 years and have never had an animal return with skin lesions; however, I have treated many animals with abscesses or granulomata following attempted manual removal by owners or other parties.…”

Manual removal of ticks

“…SIR, — I read with interest the short communication that evaluated four manual tick-removal devices for dogs and cats (Zenner and others 2006). …”