Aug2012_Dayboro Vet Talk
WARNING – PARALYSIS TICKS (Ixodes holocyclus)
Paralysis ticks are one of the most lethal parasites affecting not only cats and dogs, but birds, calves, foals, miniature horses, sheep, goats and camelids.
Paralysis ticks are one of the most lethal parasites affecting not only cats and dogs, but birds, calves, foals, miniature horses, sheep, goats and camelids.
They are found ALL YEAR ROUND in this humid and relatively warm region, although numbers are generally less in autumn. AUGUST last year was the month tick cases significantly increased, before numbers exploded into spring. So with August just around the corner, this is a big reminder to ensure your pets’ tick prevention is up to date. We would dearly love to see less tick cases this year.
Our native wildlife (some marsupials, birds, and reptiles), are the natural host for the paralysis tick which means that animals exposed to areas where they live, or have been are at a higher risk of picking up ticks. Ticks reside in vegetation, and when an animal brushes past they will climb up and attach to their skin.
Paralysis ticks secrete a toxin which is neuro and cardiotoxic, which means it affects both the heart and nervous system and ultimately causes total paralysis of the animal and death usually due to the inability to breathe. The longer the tick/s remain on the patient, the more tick toxin they receive, therefore it is important to seek veterinary attention if you find a tick or notice any of the signs below:
– change in bark or meow
– weakening of the hind limbs increasing to wobbliness or sitting more frequently (tiring)
– dilation of pupils
– Inability to swallow properly, drooling, coughing/gagging
– noisy/laboured or shallow breathing
– salivation
– vomiting or retching
– lethargy
– anxiety
– paralysis
Treatment consists of administering tick antiserum intravenously and providing supportive care for the patient until their symptoms subside. Intensive treatment can be very expensive.
So to protect your pets we recommend you:
– Use tick prevention all year round, including autumn and winter
– Perform daily tick checks of your pet
– Clip your pets for easy location and removal of ticks
– If you find a tick remove it, (tick twisters make this very easy) and contact your veterinarian for advice
– Avoid high risk areas where possible i.e. keep your lawn short, avoid walking your pet in long grass, near waterways, etc.
Remember, prevention is cheaper than treatment but if your pet does suffer paralysis the sooner they are treated, the better the prognosis. We recommend all pets who spend anytime outdoors be on year-round tick prevention
From the UQ DayboroVet team,
125 McKenzie Street, Dayboro.
Phone 3425 1544
Our native wildlife (some marsupials, birds, and reptiles), are the natural host for the paralysis tick which means that animals exposed to areas where they live, or have been are at a higher risk of picking up ticks. Ticks reside in vegetation, and when an animal brushes past they will climb up and attach to their skin.
Paralysis ticks secrete a toxin which is neuro and cardiotoxic, which means it affects both the heart and nervous system and ultimately causes total paralysis of the animal and death usually due to the inability to breathe. The longer the tick/s remain on the patient, the more tick toxin they receive, therefore it is important to seek veterinary attention if you find a tick or notice any of the signs below:
– change in bark or meow
– weakening of the hind limbs increasing to wobbliness or sitting more frequently (tiring)
– dilation of pupils
– Inability to swallow properly, drooling, coughing/gagging
– noisy/laboured or shallow breathing
– salivation
– vomiting or retching
– lethargy
– anxiety
– paralysis
Treatment consists of administering tick antiserum intravenously and providing supportive care for the patient until their symptoms subside. Intensive treatment can be very expensive.
So to protect your pets we recommend you:
– Use tick prevention all year round, including autumn and winter
– Perform daily tick checks of your pet
– Clip your pets for easy location and removal of ticks
– If you find a tick remove it, (tick twisters make this very easy) and contact your veterinarian for advice
– Avoid high risk areas where possible i.e. keep your lawn short, avoid walking your pet in long grass, near waterways, etc.
Remember, prevention is cheaper than treatment but if your pet does suffer paralysis the sooner they are treated, the better the prognosis. We recommend all pets who spend anytime outdoors be on year-round tick prevention
From the UQ DayboroVet team,
125 McKenzie Street, Dayboro.
Phone 3425 1544
