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Paralysis Tick Prevention and Treatment for Dogs, Cats

Paralysis ticks

Although ticks are found all over the world, the paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is only found in Australia. It is restricted to the humid east coast of Australia from North Queensland to Northern Victoria. We’re not the only ones who appreciate the natural beauty of Sydney’s Ku Ring Gai area, because paralysis ticks are particularly prevalent on the North Shore and Northern Beaches.

Each spring and summer we have a map of the Ku Ring Gai area in our reception, with locations of tick paralysis patients from that season marked. This is very helpful to identify the areas where ticks are more prevalent.

The east coast of Australia is where paralysis ticks are prevalent

The east coast of Australia is where paralysis ticks are prevalent

The Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclus)

The Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclus)

Where are they found?

Possums and Bandicoots are the natural hosts of the paralysis tick, and as with other Australian native wildlife, are usually unaffected by their toxin. I.e. it does not harm. However, the paralysis tick quite happily feeds on dogs, cats and humans. Ticks attach to our pets as they walk through grass or bushes where native animals, particularly possums and bandicoots have been. This means that all the National parks and bushland around the North Shore of Sydney are high risk areas. In fact, most pets become affected without even leaving their backyard. Ticks may fall out of a tree onto a pet, or may crawl onto them from the ground. Even backyards that have previously seemed safe from ticks cannot be relied upon as being tick free. Who knows when a possum or bandicoot is going to wander through?

The bandicoot – a natural host of the paralysis tick

The bandicoot – a natural host of the paralysis tick

The possum – a natural host of the paralysis tick

The possum – a natural host of the paralysis tick

The worst time for tick paralysis is from August through to February, but at Gordon Vet Hospital we treat patients for tick paralysis all year round. In our experience, ticks are particularly prevalent when rain follows a period of warm weather. In Sydney, that is not uncommon.

In recent years at Gordon Vet, we have seen an increase in the number of cases of tick paralysis. We suspect that global warming, changing weather patterns and increasing numbers of possums and bandicoots is causing a rise in the tick population. Local yard factors such as overgrown areas, composting and mulching are also contributors. Grassy, shady areas under trees, where people and dogs congregate at parks, are also a problem.

The paralysis tick life cycle

After hatching from an egg, the larval tick climbs onto nearby vegetation, waiting for an animal to come by. Usually this would be a possum or bandicoot, however if a dog or cat wanders by, they don’t discriminate. The larval tick burrows its mouthparts into the animal’s skin and starts to suck blood, injecting a neurotoxin as it feeds. Although the tick starts off small, it grows in size as it fills with blood. Once the larval tick has had its fill, it drops off, moults and becomes a nymph tick. The feeding and moulting process is then repeated using a new host animal. After this stage the tick becomes the most dangerous life stage, an adult paralysis tick. Once the female adult paralysis tick has filled with blood, she drops off her host and lays up to 3000 eggs, ready to start the whole cycle again.

The sizes of paralysis ticks through their life stages

The sizes of paralysis ticks through their life stages

Signs of tick paralysis

As they feed, female paralysis ticks inject a neurotoxin that binds to the point where nerves meet muscles. It usually takes about 3-4 days of feeding before sufficient toxin is injected to cause signs of illness. Initial signs are vague, but progress over the following few days. The most common clinical signs that we see are:

  • Vomiting, regurgitating or refusing to eat
  • A change in voice (bark or meow may become hoarse)
  • Weakness in the back legs
  • Lack of coordination or inability to climb stairs, (may progress to collapse and paralysis)
  • Breathing problems – panting, coughing or slow laboured breathing
  • It is important to know that occasionally patients will not develop the usual signs of tick
  • paralysis, and may show other signs of illness.

As the poisoning progresses, pets become unable to stand and have extreme difficulty breathing. Eventually, untreated tick poisoning will result in death.

Removing a paralysis tick from your pet

If you are ever unsure if something is a tick or not, please do not hesitate to phone and make a time for one of our vets or nurses to have a look and let you know. Adult paralysis ticks have very long barbed mouthparts which embed in the pet’s skin, which makes them hard to remove. Ticks can be removed with tweezers by grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible, or preferably with a Tick Twister. If the mouthparts break off, the tick will be dead and hence cannot produce any more toxin or burrow any deeper. The site may become infected, so we do recommend removing the mouthparts if possible and treating with an antiseptic.

How to use a Tick Twister

How to use a Tick Twister

Please take care and monitor your pet very closely after removing a tick. Do not exercise them and only offer small amounts of food and water. Due to the slow action of the tick toxin, a pet may develop tick paralysis up to several days after a tick has been removed.

If your pet is showing any signs of illness at all, or if the tick you removed was large, please phone Gordon Vet immediately to arrange an appointment. The sooner your pet is treated, the better their chance of recovery.

A bottle of Tick Anti serum

A bottle of Tick Anti serum

Tick paralysis treatment at Gordon Vet

If you suspect that your pet may have a tick, or if you find a tick on your pet, please phone Gordon Vet immediately. We will ensure that your pet is seen as a priority.

On arrival, we will examine your pet thoroughly, assess the grade of tick paralysis and provide any emergency care that is needed. Tick patients are given an injection of a sedative to ensure they are calm and not stressed. We then place an intravenous catheter in one of the forelegs and administer the tick antitoxin via a drip. This product is made from the serum of hyper immune dogs, and as a blood product, is given with great care. The tick antitoxin is not an antidote. It can only neutralise the toxin that has not yet bound to the nerve endings, and hence is most effective if it is given as soon as possible. It does not give patients ongoing immunity to ticks. Pets are tick searched and tick rinsed to ensure there are no remaining ticks.

A paralysis tick being identified and removed

A paralysis tick being identified and removed

Most pets with tick poisoning develop paralysis of their larynx and their oesophagus. They lose the ability to swallow food and water and move it down to their stomach, and are at an increased risk of regurgitation and severe pneumonia. It is essential that we do not add to this problem by giving them food or water. At Gordon Vet, we regularly assess their ability to swallow, and once they are able to we offer them water and then food. Additionally, we suction out any fluid that pools in the back of their throat to make breathing easier.

It is common for tick paralysis patients to need eye care if they lose the ability to blink, and bladder care if they lose the ability to pass urine. Importantly they all need calm, quiet and TLC.

Pets often need intravenous fluids in order to maintain their hydration. Unfortunately some pets develop pneumonia and more severe breathing difficulties. They may need radiographs, intravenous antibiotics, blood gas analysis, intubation, and ventilation. All of this treatment can be done at Gordon Vet. We also transfer patients to an emergency hospital if needed.

Hospitalisation is important for recovery from tick paralysis

Hospitalisation is important for recovery from tick paralysis

It is important to note that tick paralysis can be very unpredictable. Patients can occasionally get worse suddenly and unexpectedly. Some also have a very slow recovery. We will endeavour to keep you updated with your pet’s progress, prognosis and cost of treatment, however if you have any concerns please do not hesitate to ask.

Larval ticks

Larval paralysis ticks, commonly known as ‘grass ticks’ are particularly prevalent in autumn and winter. When they first attach they are almost impossible to see; only 0.5mm in diameter. As they feed over the next 4 to 6 days, they swell and become more visible. At Gordon Vet we see many dogs and cats showing signs of distress and intense irritation from the feeding larval paralysis ticks. Occasionally a small animal may have enough larval ticks to cause signs of tick poisoning. A Frontline spray done correctly will kill the larval ticks, which fall out over the next few days.

Tick Prevention

At Gordon Vet, we strongly recommend two important components of tick prevention. Both need to be done.

1. A daily tick search: This must be done every day during the tick season, even if your pet is on tick prevention. Most ticks are found on the pet’s head, neck or shoulders. The most effective way to tick search is to systematically run your fingers along their skin until you have checked their entire body. You are more likely to feel a tick with your fingers than see one. Don’t stop searching if you find a tick, as many pets will have a second one. Grooming and clipping long haired animals in spring and summer makes it easier to find a tick.

A paralysis tick in the fur and an engorged paralysis tick

A paralysis tick in the fur and an engorged paralysis tick

2. Tick Prevention:

a. Dogs

The two choices are to use an oral medication or topical/spot on product.

Nexgard is a monthly chewable tablet that controls fleas and paralysis ticks when given monthly. It is ideal that this is given all year round. It is only suitable for dogs. Nexgard is unaffected by swimming or bathing and is safe to be given from 8 weeks of age. Occasionally it may cause vomiting or diarrhoea.

Advantix is a topical product that is applied to your dog’s skin (back of the neck) every two weeks for tick control. It also controls fleas. Dogs should not swim or have a bath within two days of application of Advantix. It is safe to use in puppies from 7 weeks of age. Advantix is highly toxic to cats. It should never be applied to a cat and care should be taken when using it on a dog when there is a cat in the family.

Frontline Top Spot is another topical product applied to your dog’s skin every two weeks. It is safe to use from 8 weeks of age. Additionally it comes as a spray which can be used to saturate the entire coat every three weeks. It is safe to use from 2 days of age. Dogs should not swim or have a bath within two days of application of Frontline products.

Tick Collars: There are several tick collars on the market which may be used as an adjunct to one of the above methods in dogs only.

b. Cats

When choosing a tick preventative for your cat always choose a product that is registered for use in cats. Several dog tick products are highly toxic to cats, so never apply a product to a cat that is not specifically for cats. If you have applied a dog product to your cat, please phone Gordon Vet immediately on 9498 3000.

Frontline Spray is the only registered tick preventative for cats. Your cat needs to have its entire coat sprayed so that it is saturated, every three weeks. It is safe to use from just 2 days of age. The entire body must be sprayed, which can be difficult to do. If you prefer, we will spray your cat with Frontline for you at Gordon Vet. Just give us a call and make a time with one of our nurses.

Frontline Top Spot is another topical product applied to your cat’s skin every two weeks. It is not registered as a tick preventative for cats, however many cat owners use this product because it is less stressful to apply than the Frontline Spray. It is safe to use from 8 weeks of age.

If your pet has a tick, or you are concerned that they may have one, please phone Gordon Vet immediately on 9498 3000. We are open from 7am to 7pm on weekdays and from 7:30am-5pm on Saturdays and 10am-2pm on Sundays. Outside these hours please phone our number and you will be given directions to the Northside Emergency Veterinary Service.

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Gordon Vet Hospital
4.8
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Wendy Lee
Wendy Lee
11:53 27 Nov 21
I've been taking my cat to Gordon Vet since she was a kitten. Every vet we've seen have been wonderful and have provided the best service and advice. They're very thorough and will always make sure that your pet feels comfortable. The receptionists are super friendly and the online booking system is easy to use!
Jonathan Nix
Jonathan Nix
04:39 24 Nov 21
Really friendly and helpful team. Patient and thoughtful responses to my questions were greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Michelle mccaffrey
Michelle mccaffrey
07:20 07 Nov 21
Recently visited with our little cat on a late sunday morning. We called in just before they were due to close & they were happy to stay back and check over our cat so we didn't have to run to the emergency vet. DR Helen was incredibly kind and professional. She eased our worries & treated the medical issue with our cat. I feel very confident bringing our cat into see any DR at Gordon Vet Hospital as I know each staff member is genuinely caring and passionate about helping animals.
Wallachia
Wallachia
05:42 06 Oct 21
We looked for the vet with the least amount of 1-star ratings in our local area. To our surprise there are a lot of shocking reviews out there for vet clinics. Gordon Vet Hospital had the best rating by a long shot.So we called first thing yesterday morning and managed to get a booking pretty early in the morning for our cat whose condition was getting rapidly worse.Everything about our experience was lovely. From the empathetic receptionist, to the vet who is taking care of our cat who has kept us informed twice a day about her condition and took the time to answer all our questions.The cost estimate was given up-front and was very reasonable compared to every other practice.We couldn't be happier.-M
Sigrid Boehme (Siggy)
Sigrid Boehme (Siggy)
23:12 04 Oct 21
Really good with dealing with Covid by inviting patients to stay outside and they come to you. They have lots of people helping out. The only thing is that it is quite expensive compared to other vets.
Kathrin Rac
Kathrin Rac
09:22 12 Sep 21
Dr Catherine Chen is amazing and the only vet I trust with my three cavalier girls. Other vets have always been judgemental, but Catherine listens and works with you to come to a compromise to what is best for my girls going forward. Last time my tri went in to have a dental and she was completely happy to be there even went back in with the nurse wagging her tail while we were waiting outside! We even drive the distance since moving as we completely value Catherine's skill, expertise and manner.
Daniel Lister
Daniel Lister
10:42 01 Sep 21
Not that the dog is always entirely happy to go there, though they run a great operation with some. Convenient, clean and very communicative. Never do I doubt that the staff their live working with animals.
Vicki Libbesson
Vicki Libbesson
00:47 10 Aug 21
Always fabulous service from very friendly, approachable and very knowledgeable vets and nurses. David, Scott and the team have been our pets' chosen vet practice for 32 years ! Thank you all for helping us through the sad times and all of the good times as well.Highly recommended !
Olivia Pitt
Olivia Pitt
23:26 25 Jul 21
Highly impressed with the quality of service. Definitely recommend, easy and efficient + very thorough & good value. Thank you 😊
Emma
Emma
10:48 22 Jun 21
First time going to Gordon Vet Hospital with my little pooch. Parking was fairly easy. The front staff very friendly. We had Vet Dr Imogene who showed genuine interest in my pooch & was very knowledgeable when asked alot of questions. Dr Imogene made us feel that we could trust her to do what is best for our pooch. Very happy to go back.Price point - they would be slightly on the higher side.A good place for your best friend 🐶
Bridget Peachey
Bridget Peachey
05:12 17 Jun 21
Thanks to all the team at the Gordon Vet Hospital. I transferred my dogs here a couple of year's ago from another local vet clinic as a quote for some oral work was significantly cheaper and have never regretted it. Not only good value, but excellent care, great follow up and support and my two dogs love the free liver treats - making the visits a positive experience.
Jenny Wilson
Jenny Wilson
01:18 08 Jun 21
They are the most understanding and caring group of people I have met. After my dog had to be put to sleep a sympathy card was sent with her paw prints and bit of hair attached and beautiful words of sympathy. A lovely thought. I would recommend this practice to anyone.
Matthew Rajchert
Matthew Rajchert
23:29 19 Apr 21
Even though we only use Gordon Vets, we think they are the best. Amazing staff show true passion for your pets wellbeing and even though the location is out of the way it is 100% worth it. I highly recommend this Vet to everyone.
Taylor Fezai
Taylor Fezai
04:42 17 Apr 21
The vets are knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend!
Alison
Alison
06:31 27 Mar 21
Nice location, plenty of parking slots!We had a general health check and Dr Lackenby is very kind and helpful! Will definitely come back to this practice next time!
Jemma Sully-Harries
Jemma Sully-Harries
03:18 18 Mar 21
My family and pets have always had a great experience here and the reception staff is always very nice, helpful and knowledgeable. Recently my puppy was sick and Dr David Loneragan helped us out and was easily accessible to me. We will definitely be coming back here next time!
Liza Fincham
Liza Fincham
05:30 11 Mar 21
Staff are so friendly and they take any injured animals
Robyn King
Robyn King
02:57 04 Feb 21
My family and I have lived in the area for over 30 years and we have never been to any other practice. The care and compassion the vets have shown towards our babies has always been of the highest standard. I would particularly like to thank Dr Coggins for the care and compassion she has shown towards me in recent months with Salem (who unfortunately was PTS this past Sunday) and also with Lilah. This practice has a real gem in her!
Hana Yoon
Hana Yoon
08:43 14 Jan 21
I’ve been taking my dog to this vet for 7 years and they’ve always been so kind, professional and empathetic. They’ve always been able to fit him in, even in emergency situations so I’m very grateful!
Colin Pannell
Colin Pannell
23:26 07 Dec 20
Well it's never nice to have to take your beloved pet(s) to the vets but sometimes you just have to. Gordon Vets are similarly priced to others in this locale but they are well organised, off street parking and the vets are compassionate about the care of animals. Even separate entrances for dogs and cats ! See attached photo. Educated, literate cats queue up outside (ir's actually the practice's resident cat).
John Hannelly
John Hannelly
03:04 09 Nov 20
David and all the staff are wonderful, caring people who really look after your loved pets in a very professional manner.
Chris Chappel
Chris Chappel
00:54 31 Oct 20
Extremely happy with Imogen and the team. I had lost ALL faith in vets after going to GreenCross.Thankfully Gordon Vet Hospital surpassed all our hopes and expectations. Imogen was incredibly caring, clinically competent and finally solved the issue our cat had.The vet nurses and reception team seemed genuinely happy and were super friendly each time we’ve returned. Follow up care after the surgery for our cat was like night and day compared to what we’d been through at our old vet. Unlike at GreenCross where the final price always ended up being at the top of the quoted range, at Gordon Vet Hospital the quote was far more reasonable and the price ended up at the lower end of the estimate. Highly recommended this vet.
Lisa Elliott
Lisa Elliott
06:17 20 Oct 20
I can't rate Gordon Vet Hospital any higher. I took my 11yr old staffy in for surgery with the beautiful Imogene Ewen (amazing surgeon) and was managed by incredibly professional front office staff (Maddie). My dog, Coco was in the best of hands. The after care service is detailed and their love of animals is so very clear to all who enter. Exceptional service for the North Shore.
Jonathan Summers
Jonathan Summers
09:51 09 Oct 20
We love these guys. We have 3 cats and they are all well looked after.
jo kleoudis
jo kleoudis
22:08 04 Oct 20
Best vets and nursing staff. Great advice. Convenient and always easy to book.
Roopam Ghosh
Roopam Ghosh
10:49 25 Sep 20
Great service and very prompt with appointments. Lovely staff
Michelle Keir
Michelle Keir
08:30 01 Sep 20
Great service my dog loves going there! The staff are very caring and the vets very knowledgeable and do not over service.
Ayanthi Gooneratne
Ayanthi Gooneratne
06:22 24 Aug 20
The Vets are fantastic and so are the support staff.My dogs have been with Gorden Vets for over 10 years.
Steve Walker
Steve Walker
11:33 11 Aug 20
Helen was great. Took great care of our dog.
Eve Barratt
Eve Barratt
01:17 04 Aug 20
I took our little girl Coco for her very first vet visit yesterday. Dr Helen gave Coco a thoroughly check-up and provided me with useful information as the first time puppy owner. Coco is now enrolled in the puppy school and will return back for her 2nd vaccine in a couple of week!
Claire Turner
Claire Turner
05:21 19 Jul 20
Care & attention for your furry friends second to none.
Kimba
Kimba
02:50 09 Jul 20
Dr David and the team have provided real care, support and expertise for our furry family members over 25 years. They've also readily taken in injured wildlife. A great team of Vets and nurses - thanks for all you do!
Jayna Hirani
Jayna Hirani
03:43 09 Apr 20
Quality care and advice at every visit. The staff are friendly and informative and genuinely care about your pets. I am 100% confident that my cat and dog always receive the best pet healthcare and as pet parents that's all we want.
Marianne Broeng
Marianne Broeng
23:23 28 Jan 20
Gordon Vet has looked after my golden retriever since she was 9 weeks. Everyone has been amazing and caring with lots of experience. I have been able to ask any questions and always been welcome.Even one day when she stepped on a bee in the evening, they stayed open until we got there and helped her get it out.Thanks to all the staff :-)
Lizzie Wei
Lizzie Wei
00:56 18 Jan 20
We just moved to Gordon couple month ago and need to get my cat vaccinated. We found this hospital through google and I need to say they provide excellent service and very professional! The doctor really knows cat. Highly recommended!
Lara Bisley
Lara Bisley
08:15 27 Nov 19
Exceptional veterinary hospital. I have been taking my dog here for many years and although I now live in the Eastern Suburbs, I still drive across town to see the Vets at Gordon. The staff are highly skilled, compassionate, friendly and helpful. My 9 year old dog has had 2 knee operations (1 on each knee!) and the outcome of these surgeries far exceeded my expectations. I have been incredibly impressed with the care provided during all of our visits. I would highly recommend Gordon Vet Hospital.
Eugenie Goodyer
Eugenie Goodyer
23:22 21 Oct 19
Very friendly staff. Wonderful care for all our animals A++
Jennie Keogh
Jennie Keogh
06:36 21 Oct 19
Fantastic and friendly staff who you can tell really care about your pet. Their follow up service is also very reassuring. I also board my cat with Gordon Vet and I feel very comfortable to know he's in safe and caring hands. I'm so glad I found this clinic.
Newsha Amiri
Newsha Amiri
20:24 03 Oct 19
We took our dog there and Dr. David take care of his skin issues. he was so caring and professional.
Luxe Sydney Mum
Luxe Sydney Mum
06:37 02 Sep 19
Compassionate, caring and highly skilled veterinary surgeons who treat their patients and owners with respect. The nursing and administration staff are efficient and remember their patients by name which is a lovely touch. A lovely vet practice which despite our Golden Retriever Finn’s complex medical history, is always welcoming to him and he never displays any signs of anxiety when attending. Dr Helen is lovely and a firm favourite of ours!
Lihong Xing
Lihong Xing
05:00 05 Nov 18
Highly recommend Dr David, Scott, Helen, and Catherine, I've taken my cat to see all the doctors here.
Jeremy Tarbox
Jeremy Tarbox
22:55 10 Sep 18
We found a stray, agitated dog in front of our house last night. We phoned but got no help from the Council ranger who gave two options: tie him up in front yard overnight or "let him loose, he'll find his own way home" :( So we phoned Gordon Vet: they stayed open a few minutes so we could run him up and he could have a bed and dinner. Thank you Gordon Vet Hospital, hope he gets home soon!!! :)
Vishal Kapoor
Vishal Kapoor
01:52 04 Sep 18
Really amazing staff members. Their systems and processes are also very
Gerry Stevens
Gerry Stevens
11:01 14 Jul 18
Good competant vet. Did what I needed. Staff friendly. Cat's well.
Arezu A
Arezu A
03:20 15 Feb 18
Absolutely love the service here. I switched from other Vets to this Vet as the staff here are quite attentive and really care about your furry baby! I have basically seen most of the Dr's here and all of them so far have been fantastic, friendly and fun to speak with! Easy to locate and enough parking available! 5 Stars indeed!
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