Vets are again warning pet owners to be vigilant after an unprecedented number of tick paralysis cases in Queensland for the start of the spring season.
There have been 585 cases of tick paralysis reported in the last three months in Queensland, including more than 200 tick paralysis cases in the last month, resulting in 31 fatalities.
The Australian Veterinary Association’s Queensland Pres-ident, Dr Tess Guilfoyle, said that prevention is the key.
“Animals in tick-prone areas should be on an effective tick-prevention program to reduce the risk of picking up a life-threatening tick,” Dr Guilfoyle said.
According to Disease Watchdog, a national companion animal disease surveillance system operated by Virbac, it is the earliest start to the tick season in Queensland since they started recording tick paralysis cases, following an unusually high number of cases over winter.
Paralysis ticks are usually found in long grass and scrub, particularly in coastal areas. They tend to attach to the head and neck area of the pet and on the chest and the front of the leg, but can be found on any part of the body.
Ticks release a toxin when they feed, which leads to a condition known as tick paralysis. It’s critical to take action immediately, if you notice any symptoms.
Common signs of tick paralysis include:
ngurgling and choking
nbeing unable to bark properly due to paralysis of the throat
ncoughing when eating or drinking or coughing up food and water
nbreathing difficulties
nweakness in the hind legs.
Pet owners should ideally check dogs and cats daily if they live in high risk areas, even if tick-preventatives have been applied. This can be done by running your hands over the animal’s coat to feel for anything unusual. In cats, ticks often latch on around the back of the neck where they cannot groom, so it’s important to pay attention to this area.
“Even if you find and remove a tick, it’s important to keep an eye on your pet as they can be affected by the toxin for up to three days after removal,” Dr Guilfoyle said.
Your local vet can give further advice on effective tick prevention products and the best ways to search for and remove ticks.
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