The disease does not affect the ticks but affects other mammals like dogs due to the toxin secreted by the ticks. The dog experiences a feeling of immense weakness in the muscles upon being bitten by the tick and becomes almost paralytic.
It can vary depending on what kind of dog you have, as not all dogs or mammals are affected by ticks, and even some animals only have their hind limbs affected. It has been observed that since the effect of the poison injected by the tick works differently on different mammals, certain mammals tend to even die since their respiratory muscles weaken and they are not able to breathe.
Therefore, you should always know how to distinguish the signs of paralysis caused by ticks, so that you can get the symptoms under control and remove the ticks before things turn worse.
You will find valuable information that will enable you to identify and prevent any untoward problems to your pet due to ticks.
Symptoms of Tick Paralysis
Usually the signs will start 5-7 days after the tick has actually bit your dog, but it will usually take a few tick bites simultaneously in order for paralysis to actually begin occurring. 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.
Other signs are when the pet experiences problems to chew, swallow or even breathe though there may not be other symptoms like fever or shivering exhibited by your pet. It is very important for you to recognise these signs immediately as otherwise there can be respiratory failure leading to death of your pooch.
Diagnosis
Most often, paralysis is diagnosed based on the symptoms, and also if your dog has a rapidly worsening condition. Paralysis has been known to be dependent on particular seasons, but your pet will recover quickly as soon as the ticks are picked and removed from the body.
Constantly checking whether your pet has any ticks on specific regions of the body is a good way of being careful, even though you may feel that you will be able to detect any symptoms of paralysis from his behavior.
Treatments
The most practical way is to remove all the ticks.
It may be difficult for you to identify all the ticks especially if they are hidden in the thick fur of your pet’s body and you may have to totally shave your pet to get at them..
Once the tick is removed, most dogs will quickly recover, but if your dog is severely affective, then he/she may require supportive care from a veterinarian, or artificial respiration may be required.
The injection of an antitoxin is another remedy for quick recovery.
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