Tick Prevention
Tick paralysis is a potentially deadly condition seen in both cats and dogs, particularly during the warmer months. Tick paralysis is caused by a toxin released from Ixodes Holocyclus, more commonly known as a paralysis tick. Once embedded on the cat or dog, the paralysis tick can be rapidly fatal if veterinary treatment is not sought. Fortunately, with treatment and prevention, most but unfortunately not all will survive an encounter with a paralysis tick. With the changing ecology this particular type of tick is being increasingly seen within the Southern Highlands and surrounds
What are the signs of tick paralysis?
What to do if you suspect tick paralysis?
The toxin secreted in the tick saliva results in a generalised weakness which can present 3 – 7 days following attachment to the animal. This weakness can result in a change in the animals bark/meow, difficulty walking or wobbliness, difficulty breathing, swallowing and in some cases can be fatal. The presence of a single tick can produce enough toxin to cause signs in even the largest of breeds.
The lifecycle of a tick is such that they reach the adult stage during the warmer months (spring and summer) and it is at this time that they are most likely to attach and cause clinical signs. However, cases of tick paralysis in the local area have been seen outside of these seasons and is a reminder to be vigilant with prevention throughout the year.
What is the treatment for tick paralysis?
If an animal is deemed to be suffering from or likely to develop the symptoms of tick paralysis an antitoxin can be administered. The antitoxin works by binding to the toxin circulating within the blood stream, preventing it from having its detrimental effects on the body. Thus, treatment should be sought in a timely manner to reduce the amount of toxin that circulates throughout the animal and improve the chances of a successful outcome with treatment.
The presence of a tick does not always mean your dog will develop paralysis. There are a variety of different tick species that can attach to cats and dogs, with only one specific type of tick causing clinical signs of paralysis. A veterinary clinic will typically examine the tick and question the animal’s preventative status to make a decision as to the risk of tick paralysis to the particular animal.
Can tick paralysis be prevented?
A variety of preventative treatments are available that are highly effective in reducing the chances of tick paralysis in cats and dogs. Products in this newer class of preventatives include monthly and 3-monthly chews, with the most recent product being a single annual injectable preventative for dogs provided by your veterinarian. These treatments require attachment of the tick to the animal to exert their effect but do so in a timeframe that is near 100% effective at reducing the chance of tick paralysis. As such, the presence of a tick doesn’t always mean an animal is going to go on to develop paralysis and discussion with a veterinarian should be sought if concerned about your animal or prevention status.
Meet Banjo
Banjo was recently treated for tick paralysis
Banjo presented to Bong Bong Veterinary Hospital after his owners found a tick under his front leg. The tick was carefully removed and confirmed to be a paralysis tick. Banjo was admitted to hospital to receive tick anti-serum and supportive care.
Thankfully Banjo's owners acted quickly, and Banjo made a full recovery and is now back to his normal energetic self.
