Tick paralysis – Dogs

Symptoms of tick paralysis in dogs

Symptoms typically appear within 3 to 7 days after a tick attaches to your dog. Continuous monitoring is essential, as signs can progress rapidly.

• Loss of voice or change in the pitch of bark
• Wobbliness in the hind limbs
• Difficulty eating (may struggle to pick up and keep food in the mouth)
• Regurgitation
• Vomiting
• Gagging and grunting
• Coughing
• Anxiety
• Dilated pupils
• Difficulty urinating
• Difficulty walking
• Paralysis
• Collapse
• Respiratory distress
• Death (usually due to heart failure)

Ticks are often found in areas beyond the reach of your dog’s grooming, such as between the shoulder blades, under the chin, and around the head and face. After a tick detaches, a characteristic crater may be visible at the bite site.

Immediate first-aid steps for tick paralysis

1. If you find a tick on your pet it is important to remove it. Using very fine tipped tweezers, grasp the tick by the mouthparts (closest to the skin), avoiding the sac which contains the venom. Twist and remove. If you are concerned that you cannot remove the tick safely, your veterinarian can do this for you.
2. It is important to continue to search for other ticks on the animal.
3. Seek veterinary attention immediately, as the tick venom continues to circulate in the blood after the tick is removed – and it is common for signs to progress after tick removal. Animals that show no signs should be closely observed for a minimum of 24 hours following tick removal.
4. Because the venom affects the heart and swallowing apparatus, it is important to keep your animal strictly confined and rested and to withdraw access to food and water until you consult your veterinarian.

Veterinary care may consist of administration of tick antiserum and supportive care. Because tick antiserum is highly allergenic, premedication with antihistamines or steroids may be required – particularly if the animal has had tick-antiserum previously. Severely affected animals may require oxygenation or mechanical ventilation and 24 hour intensive care. Animals with aspiration pneumonia are given antibiotics. The duration and intensity of care depends on the severity of clinical signs.

Concerned about tick paralysis? Contact Lort Smith for help

If you suspect your dog has been affected by tick paralysis, don’t delay. Our North Melbourne Accident and Emergency department is open 365 days a year, no bookings required. If possible, we recommend calling to let us know you are on the way.

You can also call or book an appointment online for our North Melbourne or Campbellfield clinics.

www.health.qld.gov.au

Atwell RB, Campbell FE and Evans EA (2001) Prospective survey of tick paralysis in dogs. Australian Veterinary Journal 79(6):412-418.

Schull DN, Litser AL and Atwell RB (2011) Tick toxicity in cats caused by Ixodes species in Australia: a review of published literature. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 9:487-493.