Hello, it’s Summer here.
Tully and I have one thing in common at this time of the year – ticks. While they usually appear in about August, in the last two years we first started scratching in late June and early July.
The paralysis or scrub tick, Ixodes holocyclus, attaches itself to our fur and after feeding for several days may result in severe clinical signs may cause us to feel unwell, or even worse – coughing or gagging, grunting respiration, vomiting and weakness working up to flaccid paralysis. Severe cases when left untreated will often result in death. The toxin can also have severe effects with heart failure or pulmonary oedema. Around 5% of severely affected dogs die despite treatment.
Pre-treatment can be with antihistamines, corticosteroids and atropine followed by a slow intravenous infusion of tick antitoxin.
Supportive treatment and two or more nights in the veterinary hospital follow. This is expensive with uncomplicated cases in larger dogs generally costing
about $550 and cats about $350.
Several products are available to control paralysis ticks on at-risk animals. It should be noted, however, that none will guarantee freedom from envenomation and all recommend daily searching in conjunction.
Daily searching is quite effective in shorter coated animals but it is very easy to miss ticks in long coated animals like Tully. About 95% of ticks will be attached from the shoulders forward with the face, chin, neck and upper forelegs common sites.
Remember- using an effective control program is much cheaper in the long run than paying to have your pets treated for tick envenomation! All products are available at your vet clinic. So, keep us tick free!
Justin Bulling RDA, BSc., BVMSMontville Veterinary Clinic
26 Kondalilla Falls Rd, Montville Ph 5445 7666
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