PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF TICK PARALYSIS

Tick Paralysis is caused by a specific tick, Ixodes holocyclus, or “paralysis tick”. Other species of ticks do not cause paralysis. The tick must be attached for 3-5 days before symptoms will occur, so if the tick has already fallen off, or you have pulled it off, your pet may still become paralysed! This emphasises the need for daily searching and good preventatives.

Symptoms of tick paralysis

• a change in the sound of the bark/meow
• not interested in eating
• laboured breathing or coughing
• hind leg weakness or inability to stand
• vomiting
• dilated pupils in bright light

Treatment

Most animals will need to be hospitalised and given an intravenous injection of antiserum. Paralysed animals may not be able to swallow or blink, so hospitalisation is necessary to monitor hydration status and reduce the incidence of complications such as pneumonia, heart failureor eye ulcers. Some animals need be hospitalised for several days before they recover enough to go home.  Prompt treatment is what will give your animal the best chance of recovery.  Animals that have delayed treatment are far more likely to die from paralysis or complications.

Aftercare

Once your pet has left hospital:

• avoid excitement and stress - your pet must be kept quiet, no exercise!
• only feed small amounts of food and water three to four times a day
• PLACE YOUR PET ON A GOOD TICK PREVENTATIVE!
• If your pet starts vomiting or the paralysis returns, contact us immediately.

Prevention

• Daily searching for ticks - Ticks are most commonly found around the head, neck and chest areas, but can be anywhere on the body.
• Nexgard (dogs only) or Nexgard Spectra, monthly chews, ticks and fleas.
• Bravecto (dogs only) chewy treat, prevention for 3 months, ticks and fleas.
• Bravecto Spot-on for dogs and cats - 6 months for dogs, 3 months for cats.
• Revolution Plus for cats - monthly spot-on.

If you have found a tick or your animal is exhibiting signs of tick paralysis CONTACT THE HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY, day or night.

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