Community
30 November, 2021
Paralysis ticks killing more pets
OWNERS are being urged to be more vigilant with tick prevention treatments as vets report there is an increase in fatalities.
Dr Richard Page from Emergency Vets 24/7 said they had already seen 260 cases and although many survived after treatment, there has been an increase in the number of deaths. The survival rate for 2021 is only 70-80% compared with 90-98% in previous years.
According to Dr Page the increase could be attributed to a longer dry season and new residents from interstate being unaware of the severity and length of the local tick problem.
The “tick season” in the southern states is from winter to late spring, however in the Cairns region it is all year round with cases prevalent from June to December.
Dr Cate Sutton from Beachside Vets also reported an increase in deaths which she said was frustrating when there are so many preventative options available to pet owners.
She said it was “heartbreaking” to see so many pets and their owners suffer unnecessarily.
A paralysis tick, otherwise known as ixodes holocyclus, is a blood sucking parasite that excretes a neurotoxin from its saliva which enters host’s bloodstream. The toxin progressively moves through the vascular system causing muscular paralysis and eventually death.
Early symptoms are: uncoordinated movement, particularly in hind limbs; coughing and/or a change in voice or bark; retching, vomiting and/or gagging; dilated pupils; difficulty breathing; and refusing food.
As soon as any symptoms are detected the pet should be taken to the nearest vet so that anti-toxin medication can be administered.
Dr. Page said “it is far, far cheaper” for you to employ effective tick treatments than go through the cost and anguish of hospitalisation due to paralysis. Although no product offers 100% protection, he said home remedies such as garlic oil were not effective in preventing tick paralysis and owners should opt for veterinary approved products. Owners can also reduce exposure to ticks by cleaning up leaf litter and rubbish and restricting access to bush environments. A daily check of your pet is also recommended.
