Paralysis Tick Emergency Care

Tick paralysis in dogs and cats

The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is a small, eight-legged tick that produces a potent toxin. This toxin causes paralysis in dogs and cats, and is potentially fatal. Paralysis ticks are commonly found on the east coast of Australia, and favour warm, humid conditions. This unfortunately means that they are a serious problem for pets in the Sydney area, particularly the Northern beaches. It’s important to ensure that your pet is on tick prevention and that you search them daily for any potential ticks.

Some areas of Sydney are more prone to ticks than others, but none are absolutely tick-free, this is why we recommend tick prevention to be used all year round for both cats and dogs.

Call Now

What does a paralysis tick look like?

When found on pets they tend to have their mouth parts buried in the skin. This creates a site of inflammation, which may be painful to touch. Once the tick is removed, it tends to leave a crater.

Are blue to light-grey in colour

Range from approximately 2mm in diameter to over 1cm in diameter (usually the bigger ticks are engorged with blood)

Have orange forelimbs

Can feel like a small wart or lump to touch

What are the signs of tick paralysis?

Signs of tick paralysis vary depending on the length of time the tick has been on the animal, as well as the potency of the toxin, which can vary between ticks.
Signs include:



A change in bark or meow



Increased or laboured breathing



Coughing



Excessive salivation



Vomiting or regurgitation



Weakness in the hind legs, which typically progresses to involve the forelimbs also



Reluctance to get up or walk

Because the ability to breathe and swallow are affected, some animals will inhale saliva or food (aspirate) resulting in life-threatening pneumonia.

If you find a tick on your pet contact your vet immediately

It is important to seek veterinary attention to determine whether your pet needs tick anti-toxin. Until then, there are some important steps you can take to reduce the risk of complications:



Keep your pet calm, quiet and cool. Excitement, exercise and overheating can exacerbate illness associated with tick paralysis



Remove food and water. Your pet’s ability to swallow may be compromised, putting your pet at risk of aspiration pneumonia



Search for other ticks on your pet, click here to see how to search

Call Now

The toxin produced by paralysis ticks is very potent. Even when the tick is removed, most animals get worse before they get better – this is because the toxin that is already in the animal’s body continues to circulate and attach to nerves for a period of time.

How is tick paralysis treated?

Treatment of paralysis tick starts with tick anti-venom, which is administered as soon as possible by your veterinarian. Other treatments used depend on the severity of tick paralysis, but include:



Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration



Sedation to reduce excitement and prevent breathing difficulties



Medications to decrease salivation



Antibiotics for treatment of pneumonia



Oxygen therapy



Anti-emetics to prevent vomiting and aspiration

Can dogs and cats develop immunity to ticks?

Dogs and cats may develop immunity to ticks, but this requires repeated exposure to ticks – each time with the risk of paralysis and death.
Unfortunately where immunity does occur it is often very short-lived. There is currently no vaccination against the toxin produced by paralysis ticks.

Sydney Animal Hospitals’ approach to tick prevention

Prevention of tick paralysis is essential to maintain the health of your pet. There is a range of excellent products available to repel and kill ticks but nothing is 100% effective. The ideal prevention strategy depends on the lifestyle of your pet.

At Sydney Animal Hospitals we can offer your pet different approved tick
treatments, which now include a new ‘spot on’. This is an effective tick treatment lasting for six months and has been seen to be 99% successful in repelling ticks.
Ask our team about our Health Care Plans and have your parasite prevention delivered to your home.

Book an Appointment

Providing Animal Hospital Care with Flexible Payment Options

Like any member of your family, a unexpected illness or injury can happen to your pet at any time. In many instances the cost of the optimal treatment for your pet can run into the hundreds or thousands of dollars.

To help with these unexpected costs Sydney Animal Hospitals offer a number of payment options such as Zip, VetPay, cash and credit card.

If you have pet insurance you may be able to claim on the spot and only pay the gap with GapOnly™

SYDNEY ANIMAL HOSPITALS ACCEPT