One of the most dangerous parasites that can infest your pet is paralysis tick (Ixodes holocydus). More than around 75,000 cats and dogs are affected and paralysed every year in Australia and many of them unfortunately die. Because of this, this disease is often known as tick poisoning. We have to find out whether an effective Paralysis Tick treatment is available for our dear pets.
Where are Paralysis Ticks Found?
The regions where these dangerous parasites occur the most are eastern seaboard, that is from North Queensland to Northern Victoria. The bad part is they are not limited to the coastline but are spread in the inland regions too wherever they get favorable living conditions. North part of Australia is infamous for having paralysis ticks all through the year, while in Southern parts of the country they occur during spring and prevail till late autumn.
Animals living in or near areas with a dense population of bushes are more prone to get infested with paralysis ticks. Local wildlife like birds, reptiles and marsupials are natural hosts for them. Especially the bandicoots have great immune power against the toxin of the ticks.
How is Paralysis Caused by Ticks?
The paralysis ticks suck blood once they are attached to the skin of your pet and secrete their toxic saliva which is absorbed in the pet’s blood causing signs and symptoms of paralysis and poisoning.
Can the Paralysis Tick be Identified?
Yes, but they have to found out keenly, because once they get to the pet’s skin they find a suitable place where they can penetrate deep into the pet’s skin and stay embedded there firmly. When they suck the blood, their size increases significantly and the area on the pet’s skin becomes red. That site is marked by a thickening which is called ‘crater’. Crater is the evidence of tick infestation. You can find them nearby.
Symptoms of Tick Paralysis
If your pet frequents an area highly prone to tick paralysis, you should keep an eye on its symptoms of the disease. Once the tick attaches to the pet’s skin, poisoning may prevail up to 5 days, symptoms of which are:
Some unfortunate pet may not even show such progression of the disease and may die suddenly.
What to Do if Symptoms are Seen?
What will the Vet Do?
The vet will give an anti-toxin to your pet. This is expensive since it is derived from the dogs’ bodies where it is created to fight against ticks. For the complete recovery of your pet, some other treatments like sedation or treatment for respiratory problems may be necessary. Even the pet may require to be hospitalized for many days.
How to Prevent Ticks?
Gordon Vet Hospital is an independent hospital where your pet is taken care of very lovingly and professionally. Pet owners too get a sympathetic treatment here from a wonderful team of caring, experienced and professional vets and nurses. The staff is working with Gordon Vet Hospital for many years and is expert in their job. So, the advice from North Shore vet clinic is valuable and your pet is in safe hands once it gets admitted there.