Paralysis Ticks

Unfed Paralysis Ticks

Tick paralysis is a potentially fatal disease of the nervous system and is caused by the Ixodes holocyclus tick, more commonly referred to as the “paralysis tick”.

They are found along the eastern coast of Australia, and in areas of thick bushland. In our area, the period of greatest risk of tick paralysis is from spring to early autumn.

Ticks live in the environment and feed off wild bandicoots and possums, which have some natural immunity.

A tick will crawl onto an animal and bury its head deep into the skin to latch on. The saliva contains a toxin that affects the nervous system of dogs and cats.

Half fed paralysis tick

Early signs of tick paralysis include a change in voice and weakness in the hind legs – you may notice your pet is reluctant to jump or walk up stairs. This can progress to complete

inability to stand up, retching or regurgitation, and eventually noisy and difficult breathing.

If you find a tick on your pet, or you think your pet may be showing signs of tick paralysis, the first thing you should do is get in contact with your veterinary hospital. It is important to stay calm, as tick affected animals do not cope well with stress and excitement. Try and remove the tick without squeezing the body of the tick, as this can push more toxins into your pet. If it is difficult to remove the tick without stressing your pet, leave it for the vet to do.

Fully fed paralysis tick

If your pet is not showing symptoms of tick poisoning then keep it in a stress free

environment, in a dark and cool place. Check it every couple of hours to make sure it is not developing any symptoms – these can be slow to show or can progress rapidly. Do not offer any food or water until you are sure your pet is not showing any signs – if your pet has decreased function to the larynx, food and water can go down the airways and cause

pneumonia. Restrict exercise for one week after removing a paralysis tick – the toxin is still in your pet’s system and signs can show with overheating or increased blood pressure.

If your pet is showing symptoms then it must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Treatment may include administration of an anti-serum and supportive nursing care – often your pet will get worse before it begins to recover, as it will take time for the anti-serum to work. Severe cases may require insertion of a breathing tube to keep the airways open, and placement onto a ventilator to help your pet breathe. There is no way to gauge how severely your pet will be affected – each individual has a different degree of immunity to the toxin. Early treatment usually results in a better prognosis for your pet.

Unfortunately there are no products available that provide 100% protection against ticks. Repellants are available as top-spots, collars, rinses, sprays and tablets. Daily tick searches are important, especially if you are in a high risk area. Use your fingers to feel for any small bumps, keeping in mind that the majority of ticks are found from the shoulders forward. Don’t forget to search inside the lips, in between the toes, inside the ears and near the anus and vulva.

It is also a good idea to consider clipping long haired pets in summer.