19 Ryde Road, Pymble, NSW 2073
Tick Paralysis and a Little Stray Cat Called Shelley
By John Morgan | Dated April 30, 2013
The tick season is upon us at Gordon Vet. We are seeing numerous cases of tick paralysis each day now, so you need to be super careful.
Meet Shelley, a little stray cat that was found up at Killara High School. She was in a very bad way from tick paralysis. We pulled just a single, large tick off but it was enough to cause all the problems we come to expect from tick poisoning.
The symptoms to watch for are:
- Loss of coordination in the hind legs. This will start with mild signs like slipping on the stairs or being weak to jump into the car.
- Change in voice (or bark if a dog)
- Retching, coughing or vomiting. This again can start mildly and will progress. Not every pet will show all of these signs.
- Loss of appetite. Most pets with tick paralysis will not be interested in food.
- Progressive paralysis to include the forelegs.
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing. This is a very important sign as poor breathing is responsible for most deaths associated with tick poisoning.
Shelley was given fluids and supportive care. She was sprayed with Frontline, was kept warm and slowly nursed back to good health. Once she was able to eat again she started eating ravenously and has not looked back since.
Written by John Morgan
John first started with Gordon Vet Hospital back in 2004 as a weekend Nurse while studying Veterinary Science. When he graduated he worked in Goulburn for a few years before spending 2 years doing locum work through Canada. John returned to Australia in 2013 and came back to Gordon Vet Hospital. John completed his postgraduate studies in Small Animal Practice in 2013 and in 2015 gained Membership to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Surgery.
