Veterinary Professionals - Vet Pro - Ticks - be aware they can be fatal!

TICK PARALYSIS IN DOGS.
Tick paralysis is an acute and serious disease. It occurs in dogs after a bite from related ticks related to Dermacentor, Ambylomma or Ixodes spp.
A salivary neurotoxin secreted by these ticks is responsible for the resulting paralytic symptoms in the affected animals. The symptoms are seen approximately one week after the tick attachment.
The signs may begin as sudden weakness and in coordination of hind legs that may extend to forelimbs and other body parts too. The voice may also change because of laryngeal paresis. With the progress of disease, the acts of chewing, swallowing and breathing will also be disturbed.
The paralysis of respiratory muscles may lead to death of the animal within a few hours.
The diagnosis is based on clinical signs and presence of ticks. The recovery of the patient after tick removal almost confirms this diagnosis. Treatment involves removal of ticks, supportive and symptomatic therapy and mechanical ventilation.
So to avoid this all these ensure you give the correct advice to clients and advise they use a chemical method to kill the ticks before removal in the correct way. They should also closely observe their pets for 24 hours post tick bite.


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