It is caused by ticks which excrete a toxin that affects the nervous system of mammals, more specifically caused from female tick bites, and it can turn deadly if not treated. When a tick bites, the results can be a flaccid paralysis, which ends up leaving your pooch feeling weak, with little to no muscular tone. Not all breeds of dogs will be affected by tick bites, wherein many many only experience some loss of movement in their hind limbs.

However, while some animals are not quite as affected by tick bites as others, some pets may fall into an extremely critical condition which can ascend up the entire body and affect their respiratory system and front limbs. Thus, it is very important to be able to recognize and distinguish tick paralysis so that the symptoms and be put under control before things get out of hand.

Read on to find out more about tick paralysis.

Signs

Unfortunately, the signs usually start about five to seven days after the tick has started feeding, but the good thing is that it will usually take multiple ticks feeding at the same time to elicit the paralysis. The problem is, however, that since dogs are so furry, it can be hard to even notice a tick in the first place, as they can burrow themselves to the base of the skin, but the very first signs are weakness and in coordination in the hind legs. Your dog will not have a fever or other regular illness symptoms, but you may also notice that he/she will have difficulty chewing, swallowing, and breathing.

Whenever you notice your dog struggle with mobility, you should always take note if any of his/her symptoms relate to the above, so that way you can get your dog treatment immediately if they are in fact infected.

Diagnosing for Paralysis

Most often, paralysis is diagnosed based on the symptoms, and also if your dog has a rapidly worsening condition.

Your dog will have a rapid recovery once you are able to locate the tick(s) and remove them. Since the diagnosis relies a lot on the early signs of paralysis, you should also regularly check your dog for ticks, especially if you notice his/her behavior change, or if you are often outdoors in regions where there are ticks.

Treatment for Tick Paralysis

Since the ticks can be removed, all you have to do is find them. This may be difficult if your dog often has a lot of fur, which means you may have to literally shave your dog to find the tick(s), before they cause serious damage to your dog.

Your dog may require more supportive care, such as artificial respiration, once the ticks are out, depending on how much damage was done.

An antitoxin is also available which can be given to your dog so that he/she can be cured quickly.