#paralysis tick

[ginkgobug]

paralysis tick (ixodes holocyclus) sticker made for a local queer art market! a very self indulgent design, but it was my best selling item, which made me so happy!

no dogs were bitten by ticks in the taking of this photo (detail shot + behind the scenes pic under the cut)

[drferox]

Wait, ticks are a reason to go to the vet right away? Or did I misunderstand that triage post? I thought it was okay to just pluck the tick. When I worked in grooming, there were these two dogs that always had a ton of ticks on them (they were outdoor dogs and I guess they owners would rather spend the money on grooming then on tick prevention???)

Allow me to introduce Yet Another Australian Animal That Wants To Kill You, The Australian Paralysis Tick, Ixodes holocyclus!

Let me tell you about this little arthropod and what it does. Dogs are most commonly affected, but cats can get them too, especially if they’re regular hunters.

Very common tick, especially down the East coast. Does not seem to affect wildlife.

Like it says on the tin, this tick causes paralysis.

Initially hind limb paralysis or an altered bark.

Progresses to being unable to stand, then unable to roll over.

Respiratory paralysis can and will occur

Cardiac paralysis can occur

Fluid build up in lungs (non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema) can occur, coupled with the respiratory paralysis this makes breaking very challenging.

If eyelid paralysis occurs, the patient cannot blink and will get eye ulcers.

Can’t eat or drink due to impaired swallowing.

Every hour before treatment will worsen prognosis and delay recovery time

Stress may lead to overheating and death of pet, including even transport in the car

Tick may have been attached for up to 7 days before clinical signs noted

Clinical signs usually lead to death within 24 hours if not treated.

It is not uncommon for dogs to have more than one tick

Short version: This tick paralysis its host, and dogs or cats parasitised by one are likely to die without antitoxin.

Oh, and there is a small chance the antitoxin will cause anaphylaxis.

These ticks may also be associated with Mammalian Meat Allergy in humans, where a previously bitten human suddenly develops allergies to eating all mammalian meats. These allergies can cause life threatening anaphylaxis too, completely unexpectedly.

You know, because what’s a day in an Australian tourist town without a chance of completely unexpected death?

[nicosshadows]

My dog has a very slim chance of making it through the night My poor russell

[katknox-blog]

HOLDING ONTO HOPE

My little Golden Retriever puppy, Bella, was bitten by a paralysis tick today. We got it off her and have taken her to the vets, but she was not in a good state at all when we got there. She hadn't eaten, wasn't drinking water and was really lethargic. I am hoping and praying that she pulls through. Anyone out there reading this that loves dogs or animals, I am asking you to send out a prayer for my Bella, she is only 3 months old and has a whole life ahead of her of fun, laughter and love. 

Thanks to anyone who reposts or likes. 

xx.

[neilanamai]

My cat got another Paralysis Tick today and I took it off just before. I'm getting quite good at taking them off now. I hope this is the last one though and I hope he wasn't poisoned again.

This better not be becoming a weekly thing.