TICK PARALYSIS

Clinical presentation and signs

• Acute (occurs suddenly), progressive (gets worse as the days proceed) paralysis, first hindlimb then forlimb stiff gait (walking) that progresses to flaccid (limp) paralysis
• 5 to 9 days after tick attachment signs start, followed by the flaccid paralysis  in 24-72 hours
• Due to the salivary neurotoxin produced by certain gravid ( pregnant) female tick species

Dermacentor tick –dogs

• Ixodes tick- dogs and cats (but rare to occur in cats)

• Can occur in humans

• The dog is alert, and maintains the ability to urinate and defecate, and can  often still wag their tail

• The muscles of the chest can be involved leading to the dog being unable to expand their chest (breathe) and they can stop breathing leading to respiratory failure

Diagnosis/Treatment

• Rapid improvement after removal of the tick usually within 24-72  hours

• Hyperimmune serum to bind circulating neurotoxin, can have anaphylaxis risk

• If pet has autonomic dysfunction ie: mydriasis (wide pupils), peripheral vasoconstriction, arterial and pulmonary hypertension it can be treated with phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride 1 mg/kg as a 0.1% solution, iv, over 15 minutes every 12-24 hours and acepromazine intravenously

Prevention

• Avoid tick exposure

• Use appropriate veterinary approved topical flea and tick prevention