If you find a tick or see your pet is struggling with some of the symptoms listed below, contact us immediately at Pymble Veterinary Clinic 9499 4010 or Killara Hospital 8350 5678 and we will advise you what to do.
What is Tick Paralysis in Dogs?
Tick paralysis is a potentially deadly condition caused by the Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclus) parasite, that can affect dogs and cats. Tick paralysis is a common and serious issue in our area. Any animal not on effective tick prevention may progress to paralysis signs if a tick is found. Statistics show us that sadly 10% of patients with tick paralysis will die from it. As soon as you find a tick, we recommend you call us and try to bring your pet straight to the vet. We can then identify the tick, remove it, and determine if treatment is required.
How Ticks Cause Paralysis
When a tick bites a dog, it attaches itself with its barbed mouthparts and begins feeding on blood. During this process, the paralysis tick injects saliva containing neurotoxins into the dog’s bloodstream. These neurotoxins interfere with neuromuscular transmission by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter vital for muscle contraction. As a result, dogs may experience symptoms ranging from weakness and wobbliness to paralysis, starting in the hind limbs and potentially affecting respiratory muscles. Prompt removal of the tick can lead to recovery, but symptoms may persist in severe cases, highlighting the importance of tick prevention and veterinary care.
Early Signs of Tick Paralysis
Recognising Mild Symptoms
Lethargy: A noticeable drop in energy; your pet may seem unusually tired and lose interest in play or walks.
Lack of Appetite: Sudden refusal to eat or decreased interest in food, which can indicate discomfort or illness.
Change in Voice: Vocalizations may sound softer or different, suggesting potential nervous system involvement.
Weakness in Hind Limbs: Slight weakness or unsteadiness when walking, which may manifest as stumbling or difficulty standing.
Difficulty Urinating: Changes in urination patterns, such as infrequent urination, require prompt attention.
Muscle Tremors: Mild shaking or twitching, especially in the legs, which may be confused with excitement.
Gagging or Coughing: Unexplained coughing or gagging can indicate that throat muscles are affected.
If you notice any of these mild symptoms in your pet, don’t wait—act quickly! Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing the progression of tick paralysis, which can lead to serious complications. Animals that are treated quickly with mild signs are often home and back to normal within one to two days.
Signs of Moderate Paralysis
In the moderate stage of tick paralysis, pets exhibit more severe symptoms and are at significant risk of life-threatening complications. Key signs to watch for include:
- Weakness and Wobbliness of Legs: Your pet may show noticeable weakness, struggle to stand, or appear unsteady on their feet. This difficulty in rising can be alarming and is a clear indication of worsening paralysis.
- Increased Effort with Breathing: Breathing may become labored, and you may notice your pet is working harder to take in air.
Importance of Early Treatment
If your pet displays these moderate signs, immediate veterinary attention is critical. Without treatment, moderate tick paralysis can rapidly progress to severe conditions, which can be fatal. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances for a positive outcome.
In many cases, pets with moderate tick paralysis will need overnight monitoring at emergency veterinary clinics, such as NEVS (our local 24-hour emergency clinic in Terrey Hills).
Severe Tick Paralysis
In cases of severe tick paralysis, pets are facing life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Life-Threatening Signs
- Unable to Stand: Pets with severe tick paralysis will be unable to stand or may collapse when attempting to do so. This is a critical sign of advanced paralysis.
- Very Obvious Effort with Breathing: You will notice that your pet is struggling significantly with each breath, indicating severe respiratory distress.
- Retching and Gagging in Dogs: Dogs may exhibit retching and gagging, often accompanied by the regurgitation of frothy liquid into the back of their mouths. Due to paralysis, they are unable to swallow this material, leading to a high risk of aspiration pneumonia, a condition that puts them in critical danger.
Emergency Care for Severe Cases
Severe tick paralysis requires intensive care in a veterinary hospital. These animals are best treated at an emergency service hospital, where 24-hour care is available.
If you suspect your pet is experiencing severe tick paralysis, do not delay. Contact emergency veterinary services immediately. Quick action can be lifesaving for your beloved companion!
How to Diagnose Tick Paralysis in Dogs
Veterinary Diagnosis Methods
Diagnosing tick paralysis in dogs typically involves a thorough veterinary examination. Veterinarians will look for the characteristic symptoms of tick paralysis. They may also ask about recent outdoor activities or tick exposure.
The Role of Blood Tests and Imaging
While diagnosis is primarily based on clinical signs, blood tests may be conducted to rule out other conditions and confirm the presence of tick-borne diseases. Imaging, such as X-rays, can help assess respiratory function and determine if there are any complications, like aspiration pneumonia, associated with severe cases of tick paralysis.
Treatment Options for Tick Paralysis
Mild to Moderate Treatment
For pets exhibiting mild to moderate signs of tick paralysis, treatment typically involves the removal of the tick and administration of tick antiserum. Supportive care may include fluids, nutritional support, and monitoring of vital signs. Most pets with mild to moderate symptoms can recover and return home within a few days with prompt treatment.
Intensive Care for Severe Cases
Severe tick paralysis requires intensive care and hospitalization. Affected dogs will receive round-the-clock monitoring and treatment, which may include respiratory support, intravenous fluids, and other supportive measures to manage complications. Emergency veterinary clinics like NEVS are equipped to provide the necessary care, even during off-hours.
Removing a Tick from Your Dog: A Cautionary Guide
While we strongly recommend that pet owners consult a veterinarian for tick removal, we understand that there may be situations where immediate veterinary care is not possible. If you find yourself in such a situation, here’s how to safely remove a tick from your pet. However, it’s important to note that if the tick is a paralysis tick, simply removing it is not enough; your pet will require additional veterinary treatment to address the potential neurotoxins that may have already been introduced into their system.
Preventing Tick Paralysis in Dogs
Tick Prevention Methods
The best way to avoid tick paralysis is through effective tick prevention. Here are some methods to consider:
- Tick Control Treatments: Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products. We have a range of high-quality products suited to different dogs’ needs. One we highly recommend is Bravecto Quantum. This is an injection we provide that covers your dog for up to 12 months of tick protection.
- Regular Grooming: Regularly groom your dog to help spot any ticks that may have attached
- Landscape Management: Keep your yard well-maintained. Regularly mow grass, clear brush, and create a tick-safe zone to reduce tick habitats.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: During peak tick season, limit your dog’s exposure to tall grass, wooded areas, and places where ticks are commonly found.
Checking Your Dog for Ticks
After outdoor activities, it’s important to check your dog for ticks. Follow these steps for a thorough tick check:
- Choose a Well-Lit Area: Find a well-lit space to examine your dog closely.
- Start at the Head: Begin your check at your dog’s head, running your fingers through their fur to feel for any unusual bumps or lumps.
- Inspect the Ears: Carefully check inside the ears, as ticks often hide in this area.
- Examine the Neck and Collar Area: Ticks can attach near the collar, so ensure this area is thoroughly checked.
- Check the Underbelly: Lift your dog’s legs to inspect their underbelly, as ticks can easily attach there.
- Look Between Toes and Paws: Ticks can latch onto paws and between toes, so don’t forget to check these areas.
- Run Your Fingers Along the Spine: Feel along the spine, as ticks may be hiding in the fur.
- Regularly Monitor: Make it a habit to check your dog for ticks after every outdoor excursion, especially during tick season.
Costs
Treatment costs
Tick treatment is often quite costly and with the more serious stages of tick paralysis it is both a huge emotional and financial investment. At The Village Vet we try to keep you as informed as possible of the costs involved on a regular basis. As always we are here to help you and do what is right for you and your pet.
Financial Planning for Emergency Care
Pet emergencies can arise unexpectedly, making it important to plan for potential costs. Here are some strategies for financial planning:
Pet Insurance: Consider investing in pet insurance that covers emergencies and serious conditions like tick paralysis. We highly recommend that all pet owners invest in pet insurance. We reccomend using a gap only health insurance provider which means less out of pocket at the vet.
Emergency Fund: Create an emergency fund specifically for pet healthcare costs. Aim to save a few hundred dollars to help cover unexpected veterinary expenses.
Sources
- Article Written by Dr Lisa Shaw BVSc MRCVS, Veterinarian, The Village Vet
- Article Edited by Dr Martine Perkins BVSc (Syd Hons) MANZCVS MRCVS, Veterinarian & Owner, The Village Vet
