What is tick paralysis?
Tick paralysis is a disease caused by the paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclis.
Where do the ticks come from?
Paralysis ticks are usually found in foliage in bushy areas. They normally live on native animals, but will attach to dogs, cats & other domestic species if they come into contact with them.
When are ticks active?
Ticks breed & are most active in spring & early summer, so most cases of tick paralysis are seen in these seasons. In this area, however, small numbers of ticks can be active at any time of the year.
What are the signs of tick paralysis?
Paralysis produce a number of toxins which affect a numbaer of organs, esppecially the heart and lungs and many groups of muscles. As well as the muscles your pet uses to walk, the toxins affect the muscles he or she uses to breathe, as well as the muscles of the throat, eye and bladder.
Because of the effects on these organs, affected dogs and cats can have weakness, paralysis and difficulty breathing as well as the inability to blink, swallow or use their bladder.
How is tick paralysis treated?
Animals with tick paralysis are treated with tick antiserum, supportive treatment & hospitalization.
How does the tick antiserum work?
In dogs, tick antiserum is injected into a vein; in cats it may be injected into a vein or into the abdominal cavity. The antiserum removes the tick toxin from the bloodstream. It does not remove toxin which is already bound and causing paralysis & other signs. This bound toxin becomes unbound over 1-2 days. This explains why treated animals do not recover immediately. In fact, some animals will have some deterioration before they improve & recover.
What supportive treatment is used?
This depends on the signs your pet is showing.
Treatments may include:
Do affected animals need to be hospitalized?
Yes. This is a crucial part of the treatment.
Hospitalising pets with tick paralysis allows us to monitor their condition regularly & modify their treatment as required.
Hospitalising them allows us to enforce strict rest. Because of their paralysis, affected animals have to work very hard to stand, move or even breathe, which means that their muscles (including the muscles they breathe with) become fatigued as well as paralysed. Although they may look well, even small amounts of exertion can cause a relapse or worsening of their condition. Seriously sick animals may go into heart or respiratory failure with any exertion.
How are animals with tick paralysis cared for in hospital?
Good nursing care is crucial for their recovery. Animals with complete paralysis are moved regularly to prevent pressure sores & fluid accumulation in the lungs. Severely affected patients may need to have fluid swabbed from their throat & sucked from their oesophagus (gullet). Some patients will need to be X-rayed & treated for heart failure.
Continued monitoring is important, so we repeatedly check the degree of paralysis & breathing difficulty, body temperature, heart & lung function & ability to swallow, as well as checking for vomiting & other complications. Severely affected patients may have their blood pressure & oxygen saturation monitored.
How long will my pet need to be hospitalized?
This varies from case to case, ranging from a minimum of 24 hours to several days. Be assured that we will get your pet back to you as soon as we can, but remember that taking him home too early can have serious, even fatal, consequences.
Won't my pet fret in hospital?
As mentioned above, any animal which is anxious or restless is given medication to control these signs.
Can I visit my pet in hospital?
Brief hospital visits are allowed as long as the patient is not disturbed or excited by the visits.
How will I care for my pet when he is discharged from hospital?
We will provide you with full written instructions for your pets aftercare.
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