Prevention is Better Than Cure - Paralysis Tick
I reminded myself of this idiom today when my dogs back legs got a bit wobbly and I realised that the tick I removed yesterday must have been a paralysis tick.
I got Biscuit to the vet as soon as I could and they gave her anti-tick serum intravenously. Her symptoms don't appear to be getting any worse now which is a good sign but I've got to watch her closely for the next 24 hours. Apparently there are 4 stages of deterioration and Biscuit was only at stage 2, so she has a very good chance of complete recovery (stage 4 would be an advanced case in which pneumonia and heart failure have developed). The tick toxin however has long lasting effects on the heart and can raise the blood pressure. In order to prevent a heart attack I've got to keep her very quiet and inactive for about 2 weeks.
This has really given me a scare and of course in retrospect I wish I'd had Biscuit on some sort of tick prevention program already.
According to the info my vet provided me there appear to be 4 main types of prevention against paralysis ticks.
Proban: Proban is an oral organophosphate tablet for dogs. When given every 48 hours, Proban maintains a blood concentration of insecticide that should kill the tick before it has time to inject sufficient toxin to cause tick paralysis. (Also controls fleas and demodectic mange)
Frontline: Available as a spot-on or spray. Spot on needs to be applied every 2 weeks for dogs and the spray can be applied every 3 weeks on dogs and cats. Correct dosage and application is imperative for product effectiveness. (Also kills fleas)
Advantix: Spot on formula. Use on dogs only every 2 weeks (Also kills fleas & flea larvae, controls lice, repels and kills mosquitoes and sandfiles)
Tick Collars:
Preventic Tick Collar: Contains Amitraz and may be an effective method of tick control for up to 2 months.
Kiltix Collar: Contains Flumethrin and Propoxur (an anticholinesterase compound) and aids in the control of paralysis ticks for 6 weeks. (Also controls fleas)
For more information about the paralysis tick including tick identification, recognising symptoms, removal and pet first aid you can check out the Tick Alert website; you'll find out everything you ever wanted to know about Ticks!
You'll find all the tick prevention treatments you need at Vet-N-Pet Direct.
The prices at Vet-N-Pet Direct are very good and they have a huge product range with all the 'prevention' your pets will ever need. Their online store is well laid out and search works well (unlike some other pet stores I checked out today!), on top of that they also offer live chat which is great. Delivery starts at $4.95 per order within Australia.
If you don't have one already pick up a Tick Twister (that's the one thing I did already have!), it's a great tool for removing ticks
Vet-N-Pet Direct - Pet Care Products Delivered Direct To You
P.S. If you're still doing some last minute Xmas shopping then Vet-N-Pet Direct also have Gift Certificates that can be sent via email.
