Rising threat: Tick paralysis floods Southeast Queensland veterinary clinics
The familiar routine of pet ownership in Southeast Queensland is being disrupted by a sharp surge in tick paralysis cases. Veterinary clinics across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Ipswich report more dogs and cats suffering severe neurotoxin effects from paralysis ticks than in previous years. The crisis has left clinics stretched to capacity and pet owners anxious as they navigate lifesaving care for their furry companions.
Among the cases is a one-and-a-half-year-old cavoodle named Hanuman, rushed to emergency care in a critical condition. His owners describe the experience as extremely stressful and emotional, underscoring the urgent need for prevention and rapid treatment. Hanuman’s journey from severe paralysis to recovery illustrates both the severity of the condition and the potential for positive outcomes with timely intervention.
What tick paralysis is and why it’s surging
Paralysis ticks are blood-sucking parasites that attach to animals and release a neurotoxin. If not identified and treated promptly, this toxin can rapidly cause weakness, loss of coordination and, in severe cases, death. Ticks range from 1mm to 10mm depending on age, and they can resemble tiny spiders with white, egg-shaped bodies—features that become more conspicuous as they fill with blood.
According to the Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ), a confluence of unseasonably warm weather and a drop in preventive measures has fueled the spike in cases this season. The Gold Coast clinic alone recorded 33 tick-paralysis cases in September, including 14 in one week, with a mortality rate of about 43 percent in the worst weeks.
Geographic hotspots and hospital strain
AWLQ notes that the surge is not uniform but concentrated in specific postcodes. Areas such as 4211, 4209, 4213, 4270 and 4305 are seeing higher volumes, with many local clinics nearing or reaching capacity. In Brisbane, 12 cases have been reported since August, with almost half fatal, while Ipswich has logged 10 cases with no deaths reported yet. The pattern suggests that preventative vigilance is especially critical in high-risk neighborhoods.
Prevention vs. treatment: a stark cost reality
Experts emphasize that prevention is far cheaper and less traumatic than treatment. Tick prevention options include collars, oral medications, and spot-on treatments. When ticks inject neurotoxins, affected pets require emergency care, anti-serum, and sometimes mechanical ventilation. The cost can run into thousands of dollars, and the care can demand 24-hour supervision in specialist facilities. General practices often cannot provide the level of intensive support a paralyzed pet may need.
Dr Dia Charalambous of AWLQ’s Gold Coast Community Vet Clinic stresses that prevention is both more effective and economical than cure. “Prevention is a lot better and cheaper than cure. Ensuring your dog or cat is consistently up-to-date with their tick prevention medication is paramount,” she says.
Keeping pets safe: signs, actions and at-home checks
Pet owners should monitor for early signs of tick paralysis, which may include vomiting or dry retching, lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, coughing or loud panting, a wobbly gait, or hind-limb weakness that could progress to paralysis. Since ticks often attach in bushland and scrubby environments, limiting exposure when possible and performing daily checks are prudent steps.
AWLQ also notes that in many cases there are few or no visible symptoms immediately after a tick attaches. Early detection and removal before significant toxin injection can prevent paralysis altogether.
Safe tick removal and next steps
When removing a tick, use a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers, gripping the tick close to the skin and twisting or pulling gently. Do not squeeze or leave the head behind, and avoid burning or smothering the tick. If you’re unsure, seek veterinary assistance and keep the tick for identification.
Owners who notice symptoms or find a tick should seek veterinary care immediately. If a tick is found, bring it to the clinic along with your pet to aid diagnosis and treatment decisions.
What this means for pet owners in the months ahead
For many families, the immediate takeaway is clear: protect and prevent. The cost of prevention is minor compared with the expense and heartbreak of treatment for tick paralysis. Veterinary clinics, clinics across the region, and pet shops are offering guidance and products to help keep pets safe.
Hanuman’s story ends on a hopeful note after a week of intensive treatment at a 24-hour emergency facility. His recovery underscores the importance of rapid intervention and ongoing vigilance for tick prevention. By staying current with preventive medications and checking pets daily after outdoor activity, owners can reduce the risk of paralysis and safeguard their companions’ wellbeing.
Practical advice for caregivers
- Keep tick prevention up to date and discuss options with your local vet.
- Inspect pets daily for ticks, especially after outdoor activities in bushland or scrubby areas.
- Learn how to remove ticks safely and promptly, and seek veterinary care if symptoms appear.
- Be aware of local hotspots and cluster areas where cases are rising.
Tick paralysis is a preventable tragedy if addressed with proactive care. The facts are clear: prevention costs far less than treatment, and timely veterinary attention can save a pet’s life and comfort.
