Tick Paralysis Treatment at Pittwater Animal Hospital

At Pittwater Animal Hospital, we’ve treated thousands of dogs and cats affected by tick paralysis over the years. While we strongly advocate for preventative tick protection, sometimes exposure to ticks can still happen, making swift action essential.

If you’re unsure whether your pet is fully protected against tick paralysis, consider taking our Preventative Health Review for Dogs or Cats. Our team will assess your pet’s current regime to ensure they’re well-covered.

Recognizing Tick Paralysis Symptoms

Mild Tick Paralysis
These pets may seem slightly off, showing signs like:

• Reduced appetite
• Lower energy levels
• Voice changes
• Difficulty urinating
• Slight weakness when walking

Treatment: If symptoms suggest tick paralysis, it’s crucial to act quickly. Signs can worsen up to 48 hours after tick removal. We recommend admitting your pet to receive:

• Anaesthesia for a full body clip to remove all fur and thoroughly search for ticks
• Intravenous fluids and tick antiserum
• Tick prevention application
• Bladder and eye support

With prompt treatment, mildly affected pets often recover within one to two days.

For all levels of tick paralysis—mild, moderate, or severe—PAH recommends overnight care at NEVS to ensure continuous monitoring and support during the critical recovery period.

Moderate Tick Paralysis
These pets show clear signs and are at higher risk of severe tick paralysis. Symptoms include:

• Leg weakness and difficulty standing
• Increased effort with breathing
• A mild grunt in cats and noisy breathing in dogs

Treatment: Immediate treatment is critical for survival. We recommend:

• Anaesthesia for full body clipping to find and remove any ticks
• Sedation to help ease breathing difficulties
• IV fluids, tick antiserum, and tick prevention application
• Medication for retching, possibly oxygen therapy, and X-rays if needed to check for aspiration pneumonia

Most moderately affected pets recover within two to four days, though some may need more time, especially if older or overweight.

Severe Tick Paralysis
These animals experience life-threatening symptoms and may not survive without intensive care. Symptoms include:

• Inability to stand
• Labored breathing, which can last for several days and lead to exhaustion
• Retching or gagging, often resulting in frothy regurgitation that, if aspirated, can cause critical pneumonia

Treatment: Intensive care is essential and includes:

• Anaesthesia for a full body clip and sedation to help with breathing difficulties
• IV fluids and tick antiserum
• 24-hour intensive care to monitor progress and suction secretions
• Ongoing sedation to manage anxiety and support breathing
• Oxygen therapy to assist with breathing (note that, in some cases, even oxygen support may be insufficient for adequate breathing)
• Medication to control retching, treatment for pneumonia, and regular blood tests and X-rays

Severely affected animals are best cared for at NEVS, our 24-hour emergency service with access to advanced life support.

End-Stage Tick Paralysis
In end-stage paralysis, animals require 24-hour life support at NEVS, including constant veterinary care and monitoring. Pets are placed on a ventilator, which controls their breathing and assists with life functions. This level of intensive care is costly, with expenses starting at $10,000 and increasing over days. NEVS staff are highly experienced in these cases, but costs can rise as treatment extends.

If in-hospital care is not affordable, animals can be treated initially and then sent home. This is really not ideal and goes against veterinary advice, as it reduces the chances of a successful recovery but may still give your pet a chance to survive.

Euthanasia Consideration
Tick treatment can be costly, and complications can increase expenses. If treatment isn’t financially viable, the kindest option may be euthanasia, as death from tick paralysis is extremely distressing. We are here to advise and support you in making the best decision for you and your pet.

Please call 9913 7979 immediately if you think your pet has tick paralysis, or bring them straight down for immediate treatment, as prompt care is essential.

FAQs about Tick Paralysis Treatment

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