Tick poisoning, caused by the toxic saliva from the tick Ixodes Holocyclus, is a serious condition is dogs and cats, and in fact all susceptible mammals. The Ixodes Holocyclus tick species occurs only along the Eastern Australian Coast from Cape York to Lakes Entrance, Victoria.  It lives naturally on bandicoots, wallabies, koalas and other marsupials where a state of immunity seems to exist, and is thus spread by the activities of these natural hosts.  It is blue-grey in colour, varies in size from 3mm to 20mm and has a marked preference to attach around the neck and head. 

SYMPTOMS: The earliest signs are seen in dogs and cats usually two to five days after the female tick commences to feed on the host. The signs are extremely variable and can include any of the following:

• Weakness or loss of coordination in the hind legs.
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
• Change in meow or bark.
• Progressive paralysis to include the forelegs.
• Retching, coughing or vomiting.

TREATMENT: As soon as the symptoms of tick paralysis appear, the animal must receive immediate treatment to ensure survival.  NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ASSUME THAT AN ANIMAL WILL IMPROVE BECAUSE A TICK HAS BEEN FOUND AND REMOVED. ANIMALS MAY CONTINUE TO WORSEN FOR UP TO 48 HOURS FOLLOWING REMOVAL OF ALL TICKS.  The longer the delay before treatment is commenced the poorer the prognosis.  NEVER give anything by mouth as these animals frequently have difficulty swallowing.

When removing the tick it has been shown that the best method is to simply use tweezers or your finger and pluck the tick off without bursting it. It is not recommended to kill the tick prior to removal.

Treatment consists of sedation followed by the injection of anti-serum, which is specific for the nerve toxin of the tick. The anti-serum will save most patients if given early enough.  More advanced cases which are having difficulty with respiration and swallowing need intensive treatment to avoid fatal complications such as aspiration or asphyxiation.  Insecticidal rinses are used to kill any remaining ticks and to aid in keeping the patient cool. Hence careful hospitalization is an absolute necessity.

Complications can sometimes arise, however, such as heart failure, anaphylactic serum reactions and aspiration pneumonia.  However, if treatment is sought rapidly, most patients will make a complete recovery.

PREVENTION: No product is 100% effective against ticks, so it is still recommended to give your pet daily searches.  There are many tick preventive products on the market though the most common and most effective include Advantix (spot-on), Kiltix and Preventic collars, Frontline spray and Frontline plus (spot-on), as well as Proban tablets.

Depending on the age, breed and body weight of your dog, a suitable product or combination of products will be advised.