In standard terms, this is not a paralysis of ticks, but rather a paralysis which ticks can cause mammals such as dogs to contract, because ticks secret a toxin which affects the nervous system of mammals. When a tick bites, the results can be a flaccid paralysis, which ends up leaving your pooch feeling weak, with little to no muscular tone. Not all breeds of dogs will be affected by tick bites, wherein many many only experience some loss of movement in their hind limbs.
In some other pets, the condition can become extremely critical where the condition can ascend up the body and affect the front limbs and even the muscles required for breathing. Thus, it is extremely critical that you are able to spot and recognize the issue immediately so that your pet’s problem can be cured and the tick(s) removed.
Read on to find out more about tick paralysis.
Warning Signs
Unfortunately, the signs usually start about five to seven days after the tick has started feeding, but the good thing is that it will usually take multiple ticks feeding at the same time to elicit the paralysis. You may notice that your dog suddenly seems weaker and has poor coordination with his/her hind legs, which are the very first clues that your dog has been bit by a tick. Your dog may also exhibit difficulty in chewing, breathing, and swallowing, and there will also not be any signs of a fever.
Whenever you notice your dog struggle with mobility, you should always take note if any of his/her symptoms relate to the above, so that way you can get your dog treatment immediately if they are in fact infected.
Diagnosing for Paralysis
Most often, paralysis is diagnosed based on the symptoms, and also if your dog has a rapidly worsening condition.
Being able to diagnose your dog can also depend on the time of year, and where you live, as ticks are more predominant during certain seasons, but regardless of what season it is, a small tick can still infect your dog, which is why you should get the tick(s) removed. Since the diagnosis relies a lot on the early signs of paralysis, you should also regularly check your dog for ticks, especially if you notice his/her behavior change, or if you are often outdoors in regions where there are ticks.
Treatment for Tick Paralysis
The cure for the problem is simple, as all you have to do is remove and and all ticks on your dog. You may have a hard time finding all of the ticks, or the tick, if your dog has a lot of fur, because ticks normally burrow into the skin, which means you may have to shave your dog for the time being, before they cause serious harm to your pooch.
Your dog may require more supportive care, such as artificial respiration, once the ticks are out, depending on how much damage was done.
There is also an antitoxin available to be given to your dog, and it can be procured quickly.
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