2024 Tick Paralysis of Dogs and Cats

Question 1

What are the two types of Ixodes ticks:

-scientific and common names
-when is incidence most common

Answer 1

-scientific and common names
1. Ixodes holocyclus - eastern paralysis tick
2. Ixodes cornuatus - southern paralysis tick

-when is incidence most common
Humid weather

Question 2

Outline the diagnostic approaches you would take when you find a tick or tick crater on an animal.

1. you find a tick on the animal
2. You’re on the phone with a client that has a dog showing signs of tick paralysis
3. animal is in clinic with the above

Answer 2

1. remove ticks via a tick removal device OR with fingers in a twist and pluck action. (Keep tick for identification)
2. If showing clinical signs :
   On the phone with client advise them to
   -go to Emergency Vet
   -withhold food and water
   -keep quiet - minimise stress and excitement
   -keep in temperature controlled environment

-Obtain clinical history including: -presence and time of onset of clinical signs
-previous history of tick paralysis and TAS treatment
-details of tick prevention used and date of last dose
-any concurrent (simultaneous) disease
-exposure to tick habitats

-Perform Physical and Neurological Exam

Respiratory exam to include auscultation of upper and lower respiratory tract and careful assessment of the pharynx and larynx for dysfunction

Assess gait and, if necessary, movements requiring increased neuromuscular effort e.g jumping up figure of 8.

-Perform corneal fluorescein staining,
-assess anisocoria, reduced palpebral reflex, unilateral facial paralysis

Question 3

Define Anisocoria

Answer 3

different pupil sizes

Question 4

What are some LMN differential diagnosis.
Excluding tick paralysis

Answer 4

-snake envenomation
-botulism
-canine neural angiostrongylosis
-myasthenia gravis
-fibrocartilaginous embolism

Question 5

Clinical signs of tick paralysis occur from __ minutes/hours/days after attachment

Answer 5

72 hours