TICK PARALYSIS The Australian Paralysis Tick Ixodes holocyclus lives on native animals along the eastern Australian coastal strip. It regularly attaches to domestic animals including dogs, cats, horses and cattle, occasionally also to humans. The tick injects a neurotoxin which causes progressive paralysis, respiratory depression and death in animals which have no immunity to this toxin. Tick paralysis is the greatest killer of pets in this area. The bulk of cases are seen from September to January, however it can occur all year round. Pet owners need to be aware of the signs of tick paralysis, how to prevent it and what to do if an animal is affected. The condition can be treated successfully provided that veterinary attention is sought in the early stages.

Tick description.

Various stages of Ixodes holocyclus. Picture courtesy of NSW Agriculture, Cattle Tick Program. The unfed female is also yellowish in colour, but, as it engorges, becomes greyish with a brown line (in the shape of a shield) encircling the body. A fully engorged female tick may be 15 to 18 mm in length. Its legs are in a V shape line from its snout down the sides of its body. Of the four pairs of legs, the front and back pairs are brown, the second and third pairs paler in colour. PREVENTION OF TICK PARALYSIS With a variety of products available there is bound to be a product to suit your individual needs. SPOT-ON APPLICATIONS FRONTLINE PLUS – For dogs from 8 weeks of age – Is to be applied every 2 weeks to aid in the control of Paralysis Ticks but has not proved to be very effective in our judgement. ADVANTIX – For dogs only from 7 weeks of age - Is to be applied every 2 weeks to aid in the control of Paralysis Ticks.

TICK COLLARS KILTIX – For dogs from 12 weeks (3 months) of age – Should be changed every 4 weeks this particular collar is slightly water resistant. Appears to work quite effectively but are deactivated by swimming temporarily. PREVENTIC – For dogs from weeks (3 months) of age – Should be changed every 4 weeks. Appears to work quite effectively but are deactivated by swimming temporarily. SPRAY’S & WASH’S FIDO’S RINSE CONCENTRATE – For dogs and cats of all ages as a bath will kill ticks if done effectively but does not have a residual effect of more than three days. PERMOXIN – For dogs from 12 weeks (3 months) of age. Can be made up into either a spray or rinse and is to be done weekly. FRONTLINE SPRAY - For dogs and cats from 2 days of age. To be sprayed at 3 weekly intervals according to bodyweight None of the above products is guaranteed to work in all cases and any preventative should be used in conjunction with daily searching. WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A TICK? This has been an area of great debate over the years. If you can remove the tick by pulling it off with tick twisters, tweezers or fingernails, do so. If you aren't confident or if it appears to be burrowed in too far, simply poison the tick with pyrethrin based insecticide. Do not use surface spray or irritant solutions such as kerosene or turps as these may stimulate the tick and irritate the skin. If the animal is showing no symptoms, closely observe your pet for 24 to 48 hours as they can deteriorate after the tick has been removed. Some dogs do develop a strong immunity and are unaffected by paralysis ticks but this immunity can wane. If your pet is showing any symptoms as described below, seek Veterinary attention as soon as possible. Do not wait to see if they get worse. The earlier that they are treated, the higher the success rate. CLINICAL SIGNS After a tick has been attached for a few days the following signs may be seen: - Weakness in back legs, progressing to paralysis - Grunting breathing - Vomiting/gagging - Change of voice - Glazed look in eyes The animal may show any combination of these symptoms. Sometimes in the early stages, vomiting/regurgitation may be seen.

TREATMENT Treatment varies from case to case with the cornerstone of treatment being Tick Antiserum, a hyperimmune serum made from highly immune dogs. Our cases are always hospitalised and given a tick bath to ensure there are no more live ticks. The time to recovery varies depending on stage at presentation and resistance of the patient. These factors can produce quite variable results. While every care is taken to assist your pet on his/her recovery there is a risk of complications at any stage of tick paralysis. Please be aware that despite our best efforts your pets condition may deteriorate. HOME AFTERCARE Animals are discharged when we consider it safe for them to be nursed at home. While your pet may look well and seem to have recovered from this dangerous condition there are some very important things for you to do at home. Your pet must be kept confined, quiet & cool. The toxin from the paralysis tick can affect the heart and lungs following treatment. To prevent any complications you will need to restrict your pets exercise for 2-4 weeks after your pet comes home. DO NOT allow your pet to overheat (basking in the sunshine, going for walks/runs, rounding up cattle, chasing balls, going to the beach etc) for 2-4 weeks as this will put pressure on the heart and lungs and problems can occur in this situation. Feed little and often. Tick paralysis affects your pet’s ability to swallow (paralysis of the throat). Your pet may still have some difficulty in this area. Small amounts of water and food frequently offered for the next few days is ideal. Observe your pet during meal times for signs of vomiting or regurgitation. If this occurs consult your veterinarian. Every effort should be made so that your pet does not become affected by another Paralysis Tick with particular attention to the following 6-8 weeks following treatment. During your pets treatment he/she was treated with Fido’s Rinse Concentrate – Bath to make sure that there were not other ticks on your pet. To help prevent further incidences of Tick Paralysis you pet should be treated on ___________________ with a tick preventative. Any signs of deterioration or untoward behaviour should be reported immediately. Please feel free to ask our friendly staff for advice at any time.