Ticks on the whole carry a slew of diseases that can seriously sicken or even kill humans and their furry family members alike. Depending on the species of tick, it can infect with bacteria (e.g. Lyme, ehrlichia), viruses (e.g. Powassan, Colorado tick fever), or parasites (e.g. babesia). They can even sometimes cause allergies, like the Lone Star tick, whose bite can sometimes trigger an anaphylactic reaction to red meat. But did you know that certain ticks can even cause temporary paralysis?

            As unbelievable as it may seem, the Rocky Mountain wood tick ( Dermacentor andersoni) is a well-known agent of tick paralysis. It spits a paralytic neurotoxin in its saliva that causes weakness and eventually full paralysis to move from the lower limbs upward. Once the effects of the toxin reach the body’s core, difficultly breathing can set in and require hospitalization. Despite such a severe reaction, it’s important to note that simply removing the tick typically results in rapid and full recovery from the condition. Other ticks also have somewhat similar neurotoxins that could cause paralysis but due either to a lower concentration or lower potency, paralysis is less common in most tick bites other than wood ticks.

            Recently Ollie the collie, who lives in Oregon, developed leg weakness that gradually progressed to the inability to walk, stand, or even go to the bathroom on his own. Because this type of presentation can stem from many different conditions, the owners tried desperately to figure out what was making their dog so sick. When veterinarians couldn’t figure it out, the family felt it was best to euthanize their pet to prevent further suffering.

            In the eleventh hour, a veterinary intern made a key discovery – a Rocky Mountain wood tick was attached behind the dog’s ear, hidden in its long, dense fur. Realizing that this could be the cause of the dog’s lameness, the veterinary staff promptly removed the parasite and sent the dog home to see if the paralysis would resolve. Ollie was soon walking again, a mere 10 hours later, and is expected to make a full recovery.

            Even if you don’t live in Rocky Mountain wood tick territory, make sure you’re protecting your pets from the ticks and their associated diseases that exist in your area. We recommend a quick knockdown product that will kill ticks immediately and not allow them to be tracked into your house to potentially threaten people, too. Use caution if choosing natural or homemade products, as these tend to be less or not effective. Of course, when all is said and done, nothing beats a thorough daily tick check – for you AND your pets.  

Check out the original story of Ollie the collie  here.