First Aid Tips - Paralysis Ticks  The paralysis tick (or scrub tick) injects a poison into the system which progressively paralyses the host animal, generally from the hind legs forward. It also often causes the lung tissue to produce large amounts of fluid and stimulates vomiting. Hence an animal with fairly mild symptoms can bring up a lot of mucous and phlegm which is often inhaled to give lung infection (inhalation pneumonia). The toxin will continue to work on the host even after the tick is removed in most cases treatment involves a single dose of Antiserum. This is made from dogs which have been made immune. It neutralizes the toxin and the dog or cat will recover in 24-48 hours. In more severe cases, extra treatment is necessary to treat the symptoms of pulmonary oedema (fluid on the lungs) or pneumonia. After attachment, the tick begins to inject the toxin into your pet and the first signs of paralysis will usually occur approximately 24-36 hours after this. Tick paralysis usually starts in the hind limbs and progresses forward. There are four recognised stages. Stage 1 The dog/cat appears wobbly or weak in its back legs. It can still get to its feet but is often unable to walk far. Occasionally there is a change of voice (ie bark/meow) associated with this stage and your pet may be off its food. Stage 2 The dog/cat is unable to use its back legs. Its front legs are still operating and thus can sit but cannot stand. Vomiting may begin at this stage. Stage 3 Your pet is now unable to sit and is lying on its side. At this stage, the paralysis is beginning to affect its respiratory muscles and your pet's breathing is laboured. Stage 4 This stage is advanced and your pet is not far from death from respiratory failure. Ninety-nine percent of animals that are showing Stage 1 tick paralysis will without treatment, progress until death ensures. Only very, very rarely will an animal at Stage 1 progress not further and recover. For a speedy recovery of your pet, they should be treated at the earliest possible opportunity. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OWNERS If a tick is found and the animal has no symptoms, spray the tick with Aeroguard or RID to stop it injecting poison. DO NOT use kerosene or Malawash etc as these may stimulate secretion. Physically pull the tick off after about half an hour. If symptoms are present, seek veterinary attention. DO NOT TRY TO GET IT TO EAT OR DRINK as the swallowing reflexes are likely to be absent and anything in the mouth will run straight into the lungs. When the pet is sent home after treatment it will still be fighting off the after effects of the toxin. It is important that the following steps are observed. DON'T leave it in a hot place as they are prone to overheating DON'T allow much exercise for at least 7 days DON'T give food or drink unless it can lap by itself DON'T get the animal excited DO check daily for more ticks as a second dose of poison within three weeks is likely to have a more severe effect Information supplied by Greencross Vets |
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