Tick toxicity in cats caused by Ixodes species in Australia: a review of published literature.
Tick toxicity in cats caused by Ixodes holocyclus and related species is a common medical condition on the east coast of Australia. Intoxication typically causes a flaccid ascending neuromuscular paralysis and clinical signs can include anxiety, dysphonia, hind limb weakness and/or ataxia, pupillary dilation, respiratory signs and possible bladder voiding dysfunction. Diagnosis is made with a combination of appropriate clinical signs and visualisation of tick(s) on a thorough body search. Cases are classified clinically using a scoring system, which grades neuromuscular weakness and respiratory compromise. The mainstays of treatment are tick removal, administration of tick antitoxin serum and intensive supportive care. Given a prompt and appropriate management regimen, prognosis is good, according to available literature. Most of the literature concerning tick toxicity in cats is anecdotal in nature and an evidence-based review of what is known of this condition has not previously been published.
Schull
Daniel N
DN
School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
Litster
Annette L
AL
Atwell
Richard B
RB
D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000469:parasitology; D002415:Cats; D018884:Ixodes / Q000145:classification*; D013986:Tick Toxicoses / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*
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