08/12/2024
๐ง๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ฅ - ๐๐ซ๐ง๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ We are currently experiencing an alarming amount of animals being brought into our local vets with tick paralysis. Whilst our local vets work hard to save these animals it requires intensive care for many days and sadly not all animals will survive.
If you have a cat or a dog please make sure that their tick protection is up to date. If the pack says every 4 weeks repeat in 28 days. That extra few days till the same date next month can leave them unprotected for 2-3 days and our vets are seeing many cases that fall into that small window without protection.
Ticks can also be brought indoors by other pets and on our clothes. Remember that checking your pets regularly for ticks is also very important.
Early vague stages of tick paralysis can include the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Reduced appetite
Occasional vomiting
If you see any of these symptoms, search your pets for ticks immediately and contact your vet, as from these initial symptoms their condition can rapidly deteriorate.
Other symptoms of tick paralysis include:
A change in the sound of the bark or meow. For example, becoming softer or changes in pitch.
Cannot blink. If ticks become attached near the eyes the eyelids can become paralysed which means they are unable to blink. This can then lead to the eyes drying out and becoming damaged.
Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing. As the paralysis advances the muscles used in breathing become weak. Heavy breathing can occur, this can involve panting, noisy breathing and at times grunting and coughing.
Change in heart rhythm or rate.
Excessive drooling. Paralysis can lead to difficulty swallowing which lead to a build-up of fluid in the mouth and throat.
Wobbly gait, which often starts off from the back legs.
Reluctant to move, stand or jump.
Completely paralysed.
