Oscar, a 10-year-old West Highland White Terrier, tragically succumbed to tick paralysis after being bitten by a paralysis tick at the end of August. While his owners, Lauren and Josh Stevens, were traveling abroad, they received alarming news from their pet sitter that Oscar was exhibiting wobbly legs and vomiting.
Rushed to a veterinary clinic in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Oscar was initially examined, but the source of his distress remained undiagnosed, prompting a referral for further scans. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated, and a subsequent examination by a second veterinarian revealed ticks located on his eyelid and neck. Despite immediate medical intervention, Oscar struggled to breathe and walk before passing away shortly thereafter.
“It’s been hard; he was such a big part of our life, and it’s been a real adjustment not having him here,” Ms. Stevens shared. “He was such an amazing dog, with a quirky personality, and he felt like my firstborn.”
Veterinarians in Sydney have raised alarms about an exceptionally severe tick season this year. Sydney Animal Hospitals report a daily influx of pets in critical condition due to tick paralysis, a potentially life-threatening condition. At their Kellyville branch earlier this month, staff discovered seven paralysis ticks on a single stray cat, which later died.
Typically, tick season occurs during spring and early summer; however, in certain regions, ticks remain active year-round. Dr. Angela Phillips, a veterinarian treating animals in Sydney’s inner west, expressed concern over 2024 due to unstable weather patterns, especially in bushy areas like the Northern Beaches.
“Sydney is becoming more tropical with the current weather patterns—extreme heat and dryness kill ticks, while constant heavy rain does as well,” Dr. Phillips explained. “But the alternating wet and dry conditions with high humidity create an ideal environment for ticks to thrive.”
Paralysis ticks pose a significant risk, as they can consume up to 100 times their body weight in blood, destabilizing their host with potent toxins in their saliva. Even with veterinary treatment, some pets may require respirators, and in severe cases, tick bites can be fatal. The mortality rate for dogs affected by paralysis ticks on Australia’s eastern coast can reach up to 10 percent, regardless of treatment.
To protect pets, Dr. Phillips emphasized the importance of preventive measures, including monthly, quarterly, or even annual treatments. “There are various options available, from vaccinations to oral chews and topical solutions, but it’s crucial to consult your local vet for the best fit,” she advised. Commonly, cases arise when pet owners neglect to administer tick medication or mistakenly believe someone else has done so.
The Stevens family faced overwhelming veterinary bills totaling $14,000, of which their pet insurance covered less than 10 percent. The costs included over $2,000 for ventilation alone every 12 hours. In light of this financial burden, a friend initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family.
“I think people just aren’t aware of how much it can cost,” Ms. Stevens noted regarding the veterinary expenses.
Dr. Phillips strongly recommended that pet owners regularly check their dogs for ticks, particularly from the elbows forward. Should an owner notice any symptoms or find a bump, immediate veterinary attention is crucial, as home removal can risk leaving parts of the tick embedded in the skin.
Ms. Stevens echoed this sentiment, stating that keeping a dog’s coat short in summer can facilitate better inspection for hidden ticks. “You need to be checking their fur, getting in there regularly and having a look,” she emphasized. “It’s so hard because I feel like if I had been there, I would have noticed the ticks myself, as I always ran my hands through his fur and wiped goop from his eyes. It’s just all really bad luck.”
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