Paralysis ticks on the move
Vet warns pet owners to be wary
PARALYSIS ticks will be out in force after the recent rains and Toowoomba veterinarian Alice Murray is warning pet owners to watch out for symptoms.
Dr Murray said the Toowoomba Veterinary Hospital had treated about 20 cases of tick bites in September.
“Paralysis ticks emerge after moments of rain when it starts to heat up,” Dr Murray said.
“Tick numbers really start to ramp up during spring and summer.
“Once pets start going outside, owners will need to be vigilant.
“Symptoms from tick bites will include changes in barks and meows, wobbliness and gagging and vomiting.
“These signs can be apparent from between one to four days.”
Dr Murray said wildlife such as possums and bandicoots could bring the parasite to residential backyards.
The tick’s saliva contains a toxin that causes the connection between the nerves and the muscles throughout the body to become disrupted.
Dr Murray said pets could still deteriorate after the parasite had been removed.
“Pets are still in danger of the toxins within 48 hours after the tick is removed,” she said.
“The best thing pet owners can do if they find a tick is bring their pet to a vet where we can administer an antiserum for the toxin.”
Preventable measures pet owners could take, include spot ons which were placed on the back the pet’s neck, chews and neck guards.
“I recommend daily tick searches if your pets have been outside,” Dr Murray said.