Friday, October 17, 2008

Ticks are back


The number of blog entries inversely corresponds to the length and frequency of my shifts...apologies all. One of my cases yesterday was a 30kg dog presented for tick paralysis. We found 6 Ixodes holocyclus ticks on her. So just a warning people - if you're out and about, you need protection. A lengthier entry on this later, but just so everyone knows, this is what an engorged paralysis tick looks like. Remember that even after you remove the tick the toxin continues to circulate in the blood for an additional 48 hours - meaning the animal will get worse. Even if it has not yet developed signs. Affected animals are at a high risk of aspiration so food and water must be withheld. Your vet can treat with tick antiserum.