Alarm bells for SE Queensland pet owners as tick paralysis cases rise
Vets across southeast Queensland are sounding the alarm as a sharp spike in tick paralysis cases overwhelms clinics from the Gold Coast to Brisbane and Ipswich. Dozens of pets are fighting for their lives, with some families facing heartbreaking decisions as treatment costs escalate. The surge follows an unusually warm start to the season, paired with a worrying drop in preventative measures by pet owners.
What tick paralysis is and why it’s dangerous
Paralysis ticks are blood-sucking parasites that attach to dogs, cats, and other animals and release a neurotoxin. If the toxin goes untreated, it can rapidly progress to life-threatening paralysis. Ticks vary in size from 1mm to 10mm and appear as tiny spiders with pale, egg-shaped bodies that darken as they fill with blood. In severe cases, affected pets may require intensive care, mechanical ventilation, and anti-serum transfusions, with full recovery often taking weeks.
Recent numbers and hot spots across the region
The Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) reports a surge in cases across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Ipswich. The Gold Coast clinic recorded 33 tick paralysis cases in September, including 14 in a single week, with a mortality rate of about 43 per cent in those severe instances. Brisbane has reported 12 cases since August, nearly half of which were fatal, while Ipswich has seen 10 cases in the same period, though there have been no deaths there yet.
Why this spike is happening now
Veterinarians point to unseasonably warm weather and a drop in preventative care as key contributors. Dr Dia Charalambous of AWLQ’s Gold Coast Community Vet Clinic notes that early-season cases tend to be more aggressive. The rising risk is concentrated in certain areas, including postcodes 4211, 4209, 4213, 4270, and 4305, where clinics are reporting capacity challenges.
Prevention: a cheaper, more effective option
Experts urge pet owners to maintain tick preventatives year-round. Preventative options—tick collars, oral medications, and spot-on treatments—typically cost less than a few dollars per week and can prevent the devastating consequences of paralysis. Dr Charalambous emphasizes that prevention is both cheaper and easier than treating paralysis after it begins.
What to look for and how to act quickly
Early signs of tick paralysis can be subtle. Owners should monitor for vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, coughing, a wobbly gait, or hind-limb weakness that can progress to full paralysis. If you notice any symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. In many cases, time is critical, and rapid treatment with tick anti-serum can be lifesaving.
Hanuman’s story: a case of severe paralysis overcome
A little cavoodle named Hanuman was rushed to emergency care in a critical condition. The 1.5-year-old dog arrived severely paralysed and required urgent treatment at a 24-hour facility. After a week of intensive care, including anti-serum and supportive ventilation, Hanuman survived and is now recovering. His owner described the experience as extremely stressful and emotional, underscoring the importance of prevention.
Costs and resources for pet owners
Treatment for tick paralysis can run into thousands of dollars and often demands 24-hour emergency care that is not available at all general practices. By contrast, prevention costs are modest, and many clinics offer bundled or multi-month protection options. AWLQ and other veterinary groups stress that local clinics and pet shops can provide guidance on the best prevention plan for your pet.
Take action now to protect your pets
Pet owners should check their pets thoroughly every day and apply up-to-date tick preventatives. During outdoor activities, avoid high-risk areas such as bushland and scrub, and perform regular tick checks after time outside. If you suspect a tick has attached, remove it safely using a tick removal tool and seek veterinary help immediately. Do not burn or smother ticks, and bring the tick with you for identification if possible.
Remember
Prevention saves lives and money. Ensuring your dog or cat is current on tick prevention is essential this season. If you’re unsure which product to use, talk to your local veterinarian or trusted pet retailer.
