Tick Paralysis
One of the many complications that can arise from letting ticks attach to your pets is tick paralysis. Tick paralysis occurs when a certain species of tick bites your pet. The virus enters your pet’s system through the parasite’s saliva and starts attacking his nervous system. Tick paralysis progresses rapidly and can lead to death if not diagnosed and treated early on.
What are the signs of tick paralysis? After the tick bites the host, signs start occurring within 3-5 or 5-9 days (depending on the type of tick). Early signs in affected pets include change or loss of voice, lack of coordination and strength in the hind legs, change and difficult in breathing, gagging or coughing, vomiting, and dilated (enlarged) pupils.
You will notice the virus progressing in four phases.
Phase 1: Your pet’s voice changes. He appears weaker but can still walk and stand.
Phase 2: Your pet can still stand, but cannot walk.
Phase 3: Your pet can no longer stand, but can sit and turn to lay on his stomach.
Phase 4: Your pet can no longer lift himself from lying down.
Depending on the type of tick that infected your pet, immediately removing the parasite(s) (you will notice a “crater” – a small hole surrounded by a slightly raised and red area) can lead to your pet improving within 24 hours. If your pet is still unwell, there might be more ticks attached to him in other places, such as inside the ears or under the paws. However, it is important to note that with certain ticks, removal will not lead to unassisted recovery. All ticks must be removed from your pet, or death can occur due to the paralysis of his muscles that are responsible for breathing.
If your pet has reached stage 3 or 4, his chances of recovery are slimmer. This is why it is important to immediately locate the tick and bring your pet to your veterinarian for testing and treatment. Once your pet has been brought to the clinic for care, there is still a chance that his condition will worsen in the first 24 hours after the tick’s removal, before he starts recovering. Pets should be examined carefully for more ticks, and medication to remove all of them must be used. If the paralysis has reached a later stage, your pet may require treatment to his other organs that were affected by the virus. He may require oxygen and breathing assistance.
About 5% of animals are likely to die, despite treatment, especially if the paralysis has reached an advanced state to the point that your pet’s ability to breathe is significantly compromised, or if your pet is very young or old. This is why it is important make sure that you use tick control products on your pet – ensuring that not a single one latches onto your pet can avoid tick paralysis, as well as other conditions and viruses carried by these parasites. In addition, keep your pet clean, trim his hair regularly, check for ticks and fleas, and keep your outdoor areas sanitary and parasite free. There is no vaccine against tick paralysis, so it is always important to remember that prevention is better than cure.