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THE PARALYSIS TICK

The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is unique to Australia and is ranked as the most venomous of all species of ticks which cause paralysis around the world. It occurs on the eastern coast of Australia.

Possums and Bandicoots may carry the ticks and pass them to dogs, cats, calves and even humans where symptoms of paralysis may occur. The young adult female ticks will also attach to an animal or person as they brush through long grass.

LIFE CYCLE

The paralysis tick uses three different hosts to complete its lifecycle. Larval ticks climb onto vegetation and attach to the first host. They engorge on the host”s blood before dropping off and moulting to become a nymph. The nymph attaches to a new host and then it engorges before dropping to the ground to become an adult. The adult tick will engorge a huge blood meal before dropping off to lay up to 3000 eggs. It is mainly during this phase that dogs are exposed to the toxin which cause clinical signs of paralysis.

CLINICAL SIGNS OF PARALYSIS

Dogs and cats are affected by the neurotoxin found in the saliva of the adult female paralysis tick.

Early symptoms include:

  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Altered bark or dysphonia
  • Panting
  • Drooling and coughing
  • Groaning

Advanced symptoms include:

  • Paralysis  in hindlimbs progressing to front legs
  • Laboured breathing
  • Comatose – indicates death is imminent

The length of time from tick attachment to onset of clinical signs can range from 3 to 7 days.

If left untreated, onset of clinical symptoms to death ranges between 18 to 31 hours.

TREATMENT

Ticks should be removed as soon as possible to limit the amount of neurotoxin being injected into the animal.

Ticks can be removed with special tick removers which can be purchased at reception at Balgownie Veterinary Hospital

If your pet shows any signs of tick paralysis it is essential that you contact your local Veterinarian immediately. Treatment is possible and early intervention offers the best chance of survival. Remember that removal of the tick does not mean symptoms will not develop – sometimes symptoms may develop over the next few days.

IF YOU ARE A LOCAL CLIENT AT BALGOWNIE VETERINARY HOSPITAL
WE RECOMMEND YOU CONTACT THE 24 HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER (02) 4285 5210 IF YOUR PET HAS ANY SYMPTOMS OF PARALYSIS.

PREVENTION / AVOIDANCE

  1. Keep away from bushland areas in the peak tick season which runs from August to April
  2. Clip long haired dogs – At Balgownie Veterinary Hospital, we offer full body clips to long haired dogs in tick season. Contact us on 42 855210 to arrange a hair appointment for your dog or cat!
  3. Searching pets – Daily searching is critical during tick season as no known product on the market is 100% effective against this deadly parasite. We have a DVD demonstrating correct searching methods so please call in and ask one of our friendly nurses
  4. Products – There are a number of products on the market for dogs
    • Advantix – fortnightly application
    • Frontline Plus - fortnightly application
    • Tick collars
    • Permoxin spray – frequent applications required two to three times per week

Some clients in high risk areas use a combination of Advantix/ Frontline with a tick collar
Products on the market for cats

  • Frontline plus top spot formulation or spray – fortnightly application
  • Proban oral liquid or tablets

IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT NO CHEMICAL CAN BE RELIED UPON ENTIRELY TO PREVENT TICK PARALYSIS. DAILY TICK SEARCHING IS IMPORTANT DURING TICK SEASON.