Within the last month we have seen an increase in the number of patients presenting with tick paralysis.
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This paralysis occurs when a paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) attaches to your pet and releases a toxin that causes your pet to become paralysed as it feeds on its blood.
Even though we are lucky in the Braidwood region to avoid the tick zone of the eastern coast of Australia, our pets can still be affected if they visit the coast.
It is also possible for us as pet owners to bring immature ticks back from the coast on our clothing, beach towels, camping gear or on other animals.
Signs that your dog may have paralysis caused by a tick include:
- loss of coordination in its legs,
- a change in voice or bark,
- retching, coughing or vomiting,
- loss of appetite,
- a progressive paralysis to include the forelegs,
- difficulty or rapid breathing.
This all progresses to death if not treated.
These signs may start to develop from three days up to 14 days, dependent on the life-cycle stage, time of year and other factors.
Treatment of paralysis is very costly, time consuming and not always successful.
There are some great preventative products, some which last up to six months, which are very cost-effective if you factor in the expense of treating your dog.
We also recommend twice daily checks of your pets skin.
If you think your pet may have paralysis, please seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.