Tick Paralysis In Dogs
As you'll likely be aware, ticks can attach themselves to your dog in the same way they can attach themselves to humans. When your dog gets a tick bite, saliva from the attached tick passes into your dog's bloodstream. This saliva contains a neurotoxin and can cause paralysis. Ticks from the Ixodes family, which are prevalent in Australia, have particularly potent levels of this neurotoxin in their saliva. Read on to learn about the symptoms and treatment approach for tick paralysis in dogs.
Symptoms Of Tick Paralysis
Tick paralysis tends to begin a few days after a tick has attached itself to your dog, so checking your dog for ticks after every walk is essential. However, as ticks like to hide in dark places, such as skin folds, it's possible to miss a tick when checking your dog. A dog with tick paralysis will have difficulty standing firmly on their back legs and will begin to drag their back legs when walking. The muscles in the front legs will then also become affected, and your dog will not be able to stand. Without prompt treatment, your dog's entire nervous system can experience paralysis, which can cause difficulty with swallowing and breathing and can quickly lead to death.
Treatment Of Tick Paralysis
Your vet will need to act fast to save your dog and will begin by thoroughly checking your dog's body for the attached tick. Dog owners often miss ticks around their dog's genitals, in their ears and between their toes. Once the tick has been removed, medication will be given to neutralise the neurotoxin, and your dog should begin to feel better within a couple of days. The vet will want to keep an eye on your dog, so they will likely remain at the clinic as an inpatient. Depending on the severity of your dog's symptoms, they may also require oxygen or intravenous fluids to support their recovery, particularly if their nervous system was severely compromised.
When discharging your dog, your vet can show you how to thoroughly check for ticks and can recommend tick removal tools suitable for dogs. When you take your dog home, you should expect them to be tired for a few days, and it's best to provide them with a calm environment to recover in.
If you notice signs of muscle paralysis in your dog's legs, don't wait and see if it resolves. Make an emergency appointment with your vet to prevent your dog from suffering unnecessarily.
Contact your vet for more information.