Local vets have warned residents to be vigilant and check their pets for paralysis ticks during the warmer months.
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Mitchell Edwards from Macleay Valley Veterinary Services said they have had a large increase in the number of pets suffering tick paralysis in recent weeks.
“We’ve had over 30 cases in the past month where pets have suffered from tick paralysis. We have them all year round in the area, but once it rains and heats up again, we see an increased number of cases because that’s when ticks become more active,” he said.
“The majority of the cases we have treated over the last few weeks, the animals have not been on any prevention. Tick prevention methods aren’t 100 per cent, but they definitely are helpful and cost less than if a pet needs to be treated for tick paralysis.”
Mr Edwards suggests pet owners use a form of tick prevention as well as check over pets regularly for any ticks.
“The best thing pet owners can do is to search their pet daily. Around 75 per cent of ticks are found around the head, neck and shoulders of the dog or cat because as they walk through the grass this is where ticks will come into contact with the animal first,” he said.
“Pet owners should also be aware of the signs of tick paralysis because early diagnosis and treatment is essential.”
Signs of tick paralysis:
- A change in voice, the meow or bark becomes softer or changes pitch
- Weakness in back legs
- Vomiting, especially if it begins to happen several times a day or if there is froth
- Wobbliness in back legs, progressing to inability to stand or even sit up
- Excessive salivation and continual vomiting
- Panting, progressing to loud breathing, even grunting or groaning noises
- Gums become cold and blue-tinged as breathing becomes more difficult
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