Tick Paralysis
Diagnosis
The presence of a tick in combination with a sudden (12-24 hours) appearance of leg weakness and/or respiratory impairment is crucial and diagnostic. The tick may no longer be attached, but a tick “crater” (a small hole surrounded by a slightly raised and inflamed area) might still be detectable in the skin and can confirm the diagnosis. Specific laboratory diagnostic techniques are not available. Procedures that may be helpful include the determination of the PCV and a lateral thoracic radiograph to assess presence and degree of pulmonary oedema, megaesophagus, and potential pneumonia due to aspiration.
Differential diagnosis include botulism, Guillain-Barré syndrome, spinal cord compression, transverse myelitis, encephalomyelitis heavy metal poisoning and some other more rare causes.
Further information
- Edlow JA, McGillicuddy DC: Tick paralysis. Inf Dis Clin North Am. 2008, 22, 397-414
- Gordon BM, Giza CC: Tick paralysis presenting in an urban environment. Pediatr Neurol. 2004, 30, 122-4
- Malik R, Farrow BR: Tick paralysis in North America and Australia. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 1991, 21, 157-71
- Wright IG, Stone BF, Neish AL: Tick (Ixodes holocyclus) paralysis in the dog – induction of immunity by injection of toxin. Aust Vet J. 1983, 60, 69-70
