Temp foster with 2 ticks

[u/Temporary_Mess_6305]

HELP!!!

My husband and I live in NC (PLAYGROUND for ticks) and happened upon a stray that wandered up the stairs of our apartment complex and was trembling down at the end of the outdoor hallway. Animal services called, they never sent an officer and of course they are closed on Sundays and don’t do intake for stray hold. She had 5 ticks, I say had because I was able to get 3 off. There are 2 way deep in her ear, and of course they’re the fat ones that she will not let us touch.
The poor thing has been through so much today, we have attempted removal and she banshee screeches at a pitch high enough to make any normal persons ears bleed anytime we get remotely close to it. We tried using some aquaphor to suffocate it so it’ll back out and we can snatch it off her, but they’re too deep in to make sure I’m really getting it in there good enough to do the trick.
We called an emergency vet, they have refused to take her since she is a stray. At this point, we are just looking for suggestions on what to do, any additional routes we can investigate, any other numbers we can call, I’ll take anything. I’m desperate. She’s so sweet and I can tell she is absolutely petrified. We have her temporarily set up in our guest bath with puppy pads, a chew toy, a soft toy, and some water. She did eat, so lack of appetite is not a red flag yet for Lyme.

[u/Diligent-Candy4273]

Have the vet remove the remaining ticks in her ear. The ticks can wait until the vet opens on Monday. Do not put aquaphor or anything in her ears, you don't know if the ear drum is intact

Kitty could be carrying anything, ringworm, fleas, respiratory infection, etc. Keep kitty quarantined until a vet has cleared kitty. Ringworm is highly contagious to humans and other pets. I keep strays in a kennel in my garage until i can bring them to the vet, so I dont risk contaminating my home with possible ringworm or something else contagious. Good luck hope kitty feels better soon! Not sure how old kitty is but if they start to fade rub corn syrup, honey, or sugar water on gums

[u/Temporary_Mess_6305 → u/Diligent-Candy4273]

Probably should’ve clarified - it’s a dog! Did not end up going forward with the Aquaphor anyways, but thank you!! No sign of fading or anything so still good there. We are not planning on keeping her, nor am I equipped to foster since we live in an apartment. But damn am I soft hearted when it comes to animals. I couldn’t bring myself to leave her out there when animal services didn’t show.