19 Ryde Road, Pymble, NSW 2073
Ku-Ring-Gai Tick Alert
By Scott Lackenby | Dated September 10, 2013
North Shore residents are being warned by vets to protect their pets from dangerous paralysis ticks as spring and summer approach.
The peak time for tick activity along the east coast has always been the
warmer months, allowing pet owners a breather over winter. However in
recent years, cases of paralysis ticks have been reported throughout winter.
Dr Scott Lackenby says, “At Gordon Vet Hospital we have had many
paralysis tick cases this winter. Therefore we strongly recommend pet
owners to protect against potentially deadly ticks all year round and to
use a product specifically aimed at killing and repelling ticks.”
Paralysis ticks are found in long grass or scrub and their natural hosts
are possums and bandicoots. The ticks tend to attach to the head and
neck region, but can be found anywhere on the body. They release a
toxin during feeding and if left untreated dogs and cats could die. Many
are affected without leaving their backyard!
Dr Lackenby recommends treating your dog with a product such as
Advantix and/or a tick collar, such as Kiltix. Frontline is best for cats.
Examining your pet daily for ticks is also very important.
“If your pet has a tick, or shows signs of tick paralysis, contact your vet
immediately for medical advice and treatment,” Dr Lackenby said.
Gordon Vet Hospital is an independently owned practice and their highly qualified staff are very experienced
in treating tick paralysis. They are happy to offer free advice any time. Call them on 9498 3000 for your FREE
copy of ‘Surviving Tick Paralysis’ – a guide to managing ticks in the Ku-ring-gai area.
How to check for ticks
The best way is to feel for ticks with the tips of your finger. Start in the common places such as the head and
neck, then around the eyes and ears, under the collar, between the toes etc. Do this every day.
Signs of Paralysis Tick Toxicity
- Leg weakness, especially hind legs
- wobbly gait
- muted barking
- rapid,noisy breathing
- slowly grunting breathing
- coughing ,gagging,drooling and vomiting
- less common signs include lethargy and loss of appetite
Written by Scott Lackenby
Scott joined the team at Gordon Vets in 1999, where he was immediately impressed with the high standard of customer service. Scott is very popular amongst clients for his kind hearted approach to pet care and his great sense of humour. His particular areas of interest are endocrinology and dermatology.
