Tick paralysis is not a common illness in dogs and is reversible in most cases. However, as it can easily be confused with other conditions, so your ability to help with diagnosis is important. If your dog has been to places where he could have been exposed to ticks, this can possibly result in a tick disease and possibly paralysis.
Causes of Tick Paralysis
The tick paralysis is caused by a toxin contained by tick saliva. Not all species of ticks carry this toxin and it is only females that are poisonous. The toxin affects the dog's nervous system leading to paralysis.
Symptoms of Tick Paralysis in Dogs
The symptoms of tick paralysis do not set in immediately after contamination. It usually takes 2 or more days for the toxin to enter the dog’s system and cause symptoms:
- The dog's hind legs becoming weak and uncoordinated
- Lethargy
- Loss of control of the voice box and the dog's voice may change
- Chronic vomiting
- Several hours after the toxin has entered the blood stream, the front legs are affected as well
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Difficult breathing which may end in respiratory failure
- Moist cough
- Fever
Diagnosis of Tick Paralysis in Dogs
The tick paralysis clinical signs are very similar to those of other nervous system conditions, so the veterinarian will mostly base the diagnosis on the dog's history (whether the dog has been in places with high risk of tick contamination) and on a physical examination.
A muscle electrical activity test might be needed in order to rule out other diseases.
Treatment of Tick Paralysis in Dogs
Most often the single most efficient treatment of tick paralysis in dogs is the removal of the parasite. Once the tick is removed, the dog will most surely recover. However, there is also an antitoxin which might be injected.
Prevention of Tick Paralysis in Dogs
Tick paralysis is not difficult to prevent, even if ticks to bite your dog. Also there are several types of products you can use to prevent tick bites.
If you live in tick contaminated areas the simplest prevention method for tick paralysis in dogs is grooming and examining the dog after each outing. If the tick is spotted and removed before it releases the toxin, paralysis will not occur.
An anti-tick collar, anti-tick sprays or anti-tick rinses can be used. The spot-on-the-neck kind of lotion could also be an alternative, repelling the ticks that might already be in the dog's fur.
Anti-tick shampoos are efficient but you have to keep in mind that frequent use can cause the skin to dry and become irritated.
There are also oral insecticides that you can use. These are extremely efficient and safe, as the substances are eliminated through the dog's skin. The downside of oral anti-tick medication is that it has to be administered once every 2 days.