Tick Paralysis Treatment on the Northern Beaches

When it comes to treating tick paralysis, experience and facilities make all the difference. At Allambie Vet, we provide:

• ECC-accredited veterinarians with advanced emergency and critical care training

• One of the few general practices on the Northern Beaches equipped with two ventilators

• Intensive monitoring and personalised nursing care for every patient

• Proven experience, having successfully treated hundreds of tick paralysis cases

• A compassionate, stress-free environment that supports your pet’s recovery

💙 With decades of experience, advanced hospital technology, and a dedicated emergency care team, Allambie Vet offers one of the most comprehensive tick paralysis services available in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Tick paralysis develops gradually but can deteriorate quickly. Knowing the signs early can save your pet’s life:

• Wobbly or weak back legs
• Difficulty climbing stairs, standing, or jumping
• Change in bark or meow
• Trouble blinking or swallowing
• Vomiting, gagging, or drooling
• Loss of appetite or lethargy
• Laboured or noisy breathing
• Blue or grey gums (low oxygen)
• Tongue protruding, choking
• Collapse or inability to move

Symptoms often worsen if your pet is hot, stressed, or has just exercised. If you notice any of these signs, contact Allambie Vet immediately.

• Paralysis ticks thrive in bushy and coastal areas across the east coast of Australia, including Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Lower North Shore and North Shore.
• While most cases occur between spring and summer (September–January), ticks are present all year round, even in winter.
• Ticks usually attach around the head, neck, ears, lips, and between toes, but they can be found anywhere on the body. Pets may carry multiple ticks at once.

• Remove the tick immediately with a tick removal tool (avoid squeezing or crushing it).

• Do not apply chemicals, alcohol, or attempt to burn the tick.
• Keep your pet calm, cool, and closely monitored.
• Bring the tick with you to the vet for identification.
• Even if your pet appears fine, seek veterinary advice symptoms can develop hours after the tick is removed.

Our hospital is fully equipped to provide advanced tick paralysis care.

When you arrive, your pet will receive:

• Immediate triage and monitoring by our experienced veterinary and nursing team

• Sedation to reduce stress and prevent deterioration

• Tick Antiserum (TAS) – halts the toxin from binding further (though it cannot reverse existing symptoms)

• Full body clip to ensure no ticks are missed, which significantly improves survival rates

• IV fluids to support hydration and vital organ function

• Manual bladder expression if paralysis prevents urination

• Oxygen therapy & mechanical ventilation – Allambie Vet is one of the few general practices with two ventilators, enabling us to manage even the most critical respiratory cases

• Advanced imaging (lung ultrasound & X-rays) to check for complications such as aspiration pneumonia

• Intensive nursing care to monitor every stage of recovery

💙 Our focus is on personalised, stress-free, and compassionate care. Every patient is treated as if they were our own, with constant supervision and rapid response to changes. Many patients require several days of hospitalisation, but with early treatment, survival rates are excellent.

Once your pet is discharged, they will still need ongoing care and monitoring at home. Our team will provide a tailored recovery plan, which usually includes:

• Keeping your pet calm, cool, and rested for up to six weeks (no strenuous exercise)
• Feeding small, frequent meals and drinks rather than large portions
• Monitoring for breathing changes, gagging, or weakness
• Returning promptly for rechecks or if new symptoms appear

We are always available to answer your questions after discharge, ensuring your pet’s recovery continues smoothly.

Prevention is always better than cure. We strongly recommend a combination of daily tick checks and year-round tick preventatives.

Daily Tick Checks:
Run your fingers through your pet’s coat down to the skin, especially around the head, neck, ears, lips, and between toes.

Recommended Tick Preventatives for Dogs:

• Bravecto® – chew every 3 months or spot-on every 5 months
• NexGard® / NexGard Spectra® – monthly chew
• Simparica Trio® – monthly chew
• Bravecto Quantum® – yearly injection providing 12 months of protection

Recommended Tick Preventatives for Cats:

• Bravecto Plus® – spot-on every 10 weeks
• Revolution Plus® – monthly spot-on

⚠️ Never use dog tick products on cats – many are toxic to cats.