What is tick paralysis in cats, dogs, and other species? The problem is, it’s not just a cat or dog problem; it’s a problem throughout the animal kingdom. Ticks inject a toxic substance into the host’s bloodstream after attaching to the skin. The toxin has an effect on the neurological system and causes a variety of symptoms, including paralysis, if left untreated.
How does it happen?
Once it has attached itself to an animal, the tick will begin to inject the toxins into the animal’s circulation. Tick paralysis is a non-infectious neurological disorder that affects animals, including cats and dogs, but is still rather rare. Acute ataxia is the first stage of the disorder. You can identify the condition by the rapid onset of unstable movements that eventually lead to paralysis that begins in the lower limbs and advances upward.
Symptoms to watch out for
The following symptoms of tick paralysis may appear in any order on your pet:
- Incoordination in the hind legs, often known as “wobbliness,”
- Abdominal heaving, grunting, labouring, or fast breathing
- Barking changes or disappears
- Coughing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Trouble staying upright
- Discomfort when seated
- Appetite loss
- A single or bilateral inability to blink
How is tick paralysis diagnosed?
If a cat or dog is unable to walk or displays other indications of illness due to a tick or a scabby place where a tick was, it may have tick paralysis. Because ticks are often difficult to find, diagnosing tick paralysis may be challenging. Tell your vet right away if you see any symptoms that suggest tick paralysis in your pet.
Treatment of tick paralysis in cats, dogs, and other species
Depending on how severe the disease is, there are several treatments for tick paralysis. Your pet’s doctor can advise you on the best course of therapy. There is a serum available to counteract the effects of the tick toxin. In most cases, dogs exposed to toxins will need hospitalisation and supportive care throughout their recovery. The use of a ventilator to assist breathing during a dog’s recovery may be necessary in extreme circumstances.
In all cases, the first two to three weeks following bringing your pet home from the vet’s are crucial for recovery.
