The Australian paralysis tick is a very dangerous little creature responsible for the death of hundreds of dogs and cats each year. It lives in bushy coastal areas along the eastern seaboard of Australia from north Queensland to eastern Victoria. Ticks are most prevalent from spring to autumn however they may occur at any time of year. They can attach anywhere even in the ears on the lips or around the anus. However, they usually attach on the front half of the dog. Dogs can have multiple ticks attached at once. Occasionally numerous tiny juvenile ticks can attach and cause a problem.
Paralysis ticks secrete a toxin and with dogs, symptoms usually start with staggering gait caused by a weakness in the hind limbs. The paralysis then moves forward affecting the front limbs and throat, causing an inability to bark properly as well as a gurgling choking cough.. The toxin will also affect the voice box so the dog may have a different bark or may not be able to bark at all. Because the tick toxin also causes weakness and dilation to the food pipe, affected dogs may retch and regurgitate their food, water or just frothy fluid. One serious complication of this is aspiration of fluid or food into the lungs which causes pneumonia. Affected dogs also may have difficulty swallowing which can cause fluid to build up in the mouth and throat which can make them choke. If the paralysis becomes too advanced and the muscles involved with breathing too weak, the dog may not be able to breathe sufficiently or at all. Tick paralysis is progressive and potentially fatal.
Paralysis ticks can be identified by their grey body and their legs around their head. Unlike other adult ticks, paralysis ticks have one pair of brown legs closest to their head, then two pairs of white legs and then one pair of brown legs closest to their body.
Prevention is essential and you must take precautions if you live in a tick area or are travelling to the east coast on holidays. Clipping your dog’s coat short, especially during the tick season, makes performing tick searches much easier. If your dog lives in or visits an area where paralysis ticks are present, you should search them thoroughly every day. Ticks commonly attach around the head so be sure to check in and around ears and also under collar. Also pay particular attention to check legs, between toes and under tail.
If you have found a tick, you should use a tick remover to detach it from the skin. There are different types available from your vet or pet store and you should follow the instructions provided carefully. If you do not have a proper tick remover, you can use a pair of tweezers to grasp it at the skin level being careful not to squeeze on the tick’s body. Then gently lever it off, rocking back and forward. Do not apply tick treatments, alcohol, mineral oil or petroleum jelly to the tick before removing it.
If you remove a tick after your dog has started showing some signs, I recommend that you seek veterinary attention. If your dog is paralysed, seek veterinary attention immediately. Please do not feed or give water prior to visiting the vet.
No product absolutely prevents ticks from attaching and causing paralysis so regular searches are vital in avoiding tick paralysis. However, it can be useful to use a product to help prevent tick attachment. These include spot-on type products, baths and rinses and collars.
Advantix applied every 14 days offers protection against ticks. Once applied to your dogs skin, it spreads readily over the outside of your dog, remaining on the skin and is not absorbed into the dogs bloodstream. Advantix also protects against fleas, lice and repels mosquito's and sand flies. Its simple to use-you just squeeze a premeasured dose onto the skin at the back of your dogs neck. Advantix has a wide safety margin and available from vet clinics without a consultation.
You can not be too careful when it comes to paralysis ticks. They cause much distress to your dog and treatment is difficult and expensive. Talk to your vet and be prepared this tick season.
Special thanks to Dr Justin Winpole BVSc for the information provided in this article.
More information about ticks can be found in Dr Justin's book First Aid For Dogs. This is book is a great resource for all dog owners providing information about what to do in a medical emergency.