Is a veterinary examination necessary?
 

Veterinary examination is necessary if the answer is yes to either of questions 1 or 2 below. A yes answer to questions 3 or 4 increases the suspicion of tick paralysis.
 

1. Does the dog/cat show one or more of the signs of tick paralysis?
 

• Weakness in hind limbs - unable to stand, collapsing, wobbly gait, reluctance to climb stairs, jump in car

• Abnormal respiration - grunting, laboured, abnormal vocalisation, coughing, slow breathing

• Dilated pupils

• Salivation, vomiting/retching, licking Hyperactivity
   

2. Has a tick (or ticks) been found?
 

• Paralysis tick - size from < 1mm to > 5mm body length; black to grey; fat; strongly attached to the skin; hard bodied

• Cattle tick (northern Australia)

• Bush tick (coastal NSW)

• Brown dog tick (northern Australia)

• Poultry tick - soft bodied

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Note: Differentiation of paralysis, cattle and bush ticks can be difficult and requires microscopic examination of the whole tick to be certain of species differences. If in doubt, assume a paralysis tick until proven otherwise.

 

3. Has the dog/cat been in contact with known tick habitat in the last 7 days?

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• Coastal scrub

• Backyard overgrowth

• Bushwalking

• Farm visits
   

4. Has the pet had tick paralysis before?
 

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