Tick Paralysis Tips

The Paralysis Tick

The paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus is found only on coastal Eastern Australia. This native arachnid paralyses its prey by injecting a powerful neurotoxin while at the same time it feeds, drinking their blood.

Adult paralysis ticks are found in native plants and long grasses, and latch on to their new host as they walk past. They then drink the hosts blood, growing in size from that of a match head to a 5 cent piece. When full, they release from their prey and lay eggs which are to hatch in to new paralysis ticks.

Tick Paralysis Tips

Text Box: What if I find a tick on my pet? We recommend checking pets every day through tick season. This is done by running your fingers backwards through the pets hair, and feeling for a ‘scab’ lifting off the skin. If you feel this, have a closer look to see if it is a tick. Ticks, when found can be removed with fingernails, as close to the skin as possible, so as to remove the whole thing. Alternatively tick twisters are available to easily remove ticks. If you find one tick it is important to search for further ticks. Pets should be observed for any signs of tick paralysis—and if showing any, should seek immediate veterinary attention.

Text Box: Signs of Tick Paralysis Not eating Drooling Excessive panting Breathing Difficulty Weakness Lethargy Hindleg weakness Local paralysis (ie eyelid) Inability to urinate Progressive paralysis

Treating Tick Paralysis

If pets are diagnosed with tick paralysis, they are initially sedated, which calms them down, makes breathing more effective, and allows placement of a catheter. Pets are given tick antiserum (based on their body weight) which helps to mop up toxin in the blood stream that hasn’t yet affected the pet. The antiserum does not reverse the paralysis, the toxin needs time to wear off.

Generally the less affected pets are when treated, the quicker resolution of paralysis and less risk to the pet. A large amount of toxin will take a lot longer to wear off.

Pets are hospitalized to monitor their vital

signs, keep them cool and quiet and ensure they do not eat or drink while paralysed.

If pets are fed while paralysed, often food will enter the lungs causing pneumonia.

Some pets require oxygen therapy, if badly paralysed, or intravenous fluids if unable to drink for a prolonged period. Other complications can arise

Around 10% of pets with tick paralysis may die from the paralysis.

Text Box: How do I Prevent catching a Tick ? To prevent pets acquiring tick paralysis, they should be given a regular tick preventative over tick season and checked daily for paralysis ticks. Cat Tick Preventatives
The only tick preventative registered for cats is the Frontline™ Spray. Cats should be sprayed with Frontline every 3 weeks over tick season. Frontline should be rubbed well into the coat, and applied to the whole pet (as the spray does not spread at all). Dog Tick Preventatives
Dogs may be treated with either Frontline spray every 3 weeks, similarly to cats—or with a topical ‘topspot’ like Advantix™ or Frontline. The topspots do spread, and should be placed on the skin, with the hair parted—either at the back of the neck for small dogs, or in three spots (neck, middle back and base of tail) for larger dogs. Frontline and advantix should only be applied to completely dry pets. After Frontline applications pets should not be bathed for 2 days. After Advantix pets should not be bathed for 1 week. Note: Advantix is toxic if ingested by cats and must not be applied to cats. For households with cats and dogs, the pets must be separated for 12 hours following application of advantix to dogs. We do not recommend use of advantix in cat households in case of accidental application. Tick Collars can be used to help prevent ticks in dogs, and can be a useful adjunctive preventative for dogs. Tick collars should be removed when pets get wet—ie bathing and swimming and replaced afterwards.

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