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Australian horses at risk from what's called a "paralysis tick."

Australian horses at risk from what's called a "paralysis tick."




Read more: http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/05/28/dangers-australia-paralysis-tick-revealed/#ixzz2UckgjHZL
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Dangers of Australia’s paralysis tick revealed

By  on May 28, 2013 in Focus, Health
5
Two ticks of Australia's paralysis tick species ixodes holocyclus, before and after feeding. The amount of blood inside the larger tick is probably about 5ml.
Two ticks of Australia’s paralysis tick species ixodes holocyclus, before and after feeding. The amount of blood inside the larger tick is probably about 5ml. © Bjørn Christian Tørrissen
Australian research reveals an alarmingly high mortality rate in horses with tick paralysis.
The findings of the study were presented at the Australian Veterinary Association’s annual conference in Cairns yesterday.
Dr Mick Ruppin
Dr Mick Ruppin
Dr Mick Ruppin, one of the co-authors of the study, said there was limited information published about tick paralysis causing the deaths of horses before 2012.
“The paralysis tick is found predominantly along the east coast of Australia, in high rainfall areas.
“Our study was a retrospective analysis of cases treated at our practice on the east coast of Queensland, over the last 10 years, as well as cases treated at other practices along the east coast over the last five years. A total of 103 cases were analysed.
“The number of paralysis ticks required to paralyse a horse is unknown but our study included cases where large horses with only one to two ticks were paralysed and unable to stand. Horses of any age and size can be affected by tick paralysis.
“The mortality rate of 26 per cent in horses is much higher than the mortality rate in small animals, which is around 5 per cent.
“In our study, 26 per cent of the horses died and of the surviving horses, 35 per cent developed one or more complications including pressure sores, corneal ulcers, pneumonia and sepsis.”
paralysis-tickDr Ruppin said that higher mortality rates in horses could be due to a range of factors, including horses being badly affected before vets are called; difficulties associated with nursing a recumbent horse; difficulties with owners needing to deliver the bulk of nursing care; and lack of information to veterinarians treating the disease in horses.
“Given the difficulties associated with treating tick paralysis in horses, prevention is the best option for horse owners,” he said.
Prevention strategies include:
  • Reducing exposure to ticks by keeping horses in shorter pasture, away from bushland.
  • Owners should check horses daily for presence of ticks and symptoms of tick paralysis.
  • Using sprays and other products that can offer some protection from ticks.
“If horse owners find ticks or see signs of tick paralysis it’s important that they contact their vet immediately. The earlier treatment is provided, the better the result,” Ruppin said.

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Comments (1)

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  1. Amber says:
    May 28, 2013 at 10:11 am
    The mortality rate is quite interesting. My horses have frequently had paralysis ticks during tick season but have never shown any side effects.
    reply


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