Tick paralysis Flashcards
When is the dangerous time for paralysis ticks?
Aug - Nov
Explain the 3-host tick life cycle
Who is the main resovoir of Ixodes holocyclus?
Bandicoots - they are immune due to constant re-infestation
What environment would you see Ixodes holocyclus in?
Warm, moist climates on the coast.
Die in environment in absence of a host.
Die quickly in hot dry weather
Where the resovoir (bandicoot) host is
What is the host range of Ixodes holocyclus?
o Cattle
o Bats
o Kangaroos
o Dogs
o Cats
o Mice/rats
o Humans
What are the clinical signs associated with tick paralysis?
- Forced breathing
- Grunting while breathing
- Coughing/gagging, sometimes vomiting from difficulty in swallowing
- Weakness in legs or inability to get up, flaccidity in the tail with ascending paralysis
- Lethargy, inappetence
- Change of voice
- Glazed look in the eyes
- Drooling
Does removing the tick halt progressions of signs?
No, it does not immediately halt progression of signs as the toxin binds strongly to the receptor
How is tick paralysis classified?
Using both a neuromuscular score (1-4) and respiratory score (A-D)
NOTE: animals that present with 3C-4D have a guarded prognosis
Does tick paralysis cause chocking in dogs?
Yes, megaoesophagus is associated with tick paralysis
Where are the most common places for ticks to attach?
Common attachment sites:
- neck
- ears
Esoteric attachment sites:
- Around eyes
- On/around and under lips
- Under collar
- Inside ears
- Between tows
- Around anus
What are the two phases of tick engorgement?
Slow phase:
- first 3-5 days
- Slow secretion of toxin
Rapid phase
- Lasts 12-24 hours (roughly a tenfold increase in weight
- rapid secretion of toxin
How much weight gain do we see in an engorged tick?
100x
What are the other sequellae of tick bites?
Papules as a result of nymphs
List the factors that are not directly related to toxicity
- Size of the tick
- number of attached ticks
- duration of attachement
How is tick paralysis treated?
- Expensive treatment
1. Locate and remove tick(S) - DO NOT squeeze. Give acetylpromazine (sedative, hypotensive and anti-emetic), other drug options include atropine and dexamethasone and adrenaline for cats OR if previous treatment of ATS in dogs.
2. ATS administered SLOWLY - combined with supportive therapy (if required). Most cases improve 6-12 hours. After discharge, keep quiet for 7-10 days