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Tick Season: Protect Your Pet!

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Meet Missy: A Brave Survivor of Tick Paralysis

Missy, a 12-year-old Maltese Terrier X, found herself in a life-threatening situation after she wandered away from home and went missing for seven hours. As an indoor dog, Missy wasn’t up to date with her tick prevention, which put her at serious risk. When she was finally found and brought home, she collapsed and began vomiting, prompting her family to rush her to Animal Referral Hospital (ARH) Gosford.

Upon arrival at ARH Gosford, Missy was immediately assessed by the emergency vet team. Two small ticks were discovered on her neck, and she was diagnosed with tick paralysis, showing a concerning grade 3C mobility and respiratory score (on a scale of 1-4 for mobility and A-D for respiratory function).

The team took swift action. Missy was placed on oxygen therapy to support her breathing, sedated to keep her calm, and administered intravenous tick anti-serum. To ensure all ticks were removed, her body was carefully shaved – revealing five more hidden ticks!

Despite the prompt treatment, Missy’s condition deteriorated over the next 12 hours. Her respiratory function worsened to a grade 3D, and her larynx and respiratory muscles became paralysed, necessitating intubation and mechanical ventilation to maintain her breathing.

The tick toxin caused further complications. Missy developed severe pneumonia due to vomiting, as her weakened gag reflex couldn’t protect her lungs. She required multiple antibiotics to fight the infection. Additionally, the toxin paralysed her eyelids, resulting in severe eye ulcers that were treated with hourly lubrication and antibiotic drops to prevent further damage.

Missy spent four critical days on a ventilator, receiving intensive care and close monitoring. Slowly, she began to show signs of improvement. After weaning off the ventilator, she stayed at ARH Gosford for an additional three days, where she continued to regain her strength.

Finally, Missy was well enough to go home. She was discharged with a course of antibiotics and eye medications, and her family ensured she attended regular follow-up check-ups to monitor her recovery.

Today, we are delighted to share that Missy has made a full recovery. Her journey from critical illness to regaining her health highlights the importance of tick prevention and emergency vet care. Missy’s experience serves as a vital reminder to keep your pets protected against ticks to ensure their health and safety.

Know your nearest emergency vet 

Pet emergencies can happen at any time. The Animal Referral & Emergency Network has emergency vets available 365 days a year, including public holidays. Find your nearest location here.