Infestation in the dog by the paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus — 5. Treatment

Abstract

SUMMARY: In this study the value of drugs administered with hyperimmune serum in the treatment of advanced disease produced by Ixodes holocyclus was compared under controlled conditions. All control dogs died rapidly whereas one dog survived and 3 dogs died after receiving hyperimmune serum alone. When promethazine hydrochloride was administered with hyperimmune serum 2 dogs recovered rapidly while the remaining 2 died. Administration of dexamethasone and hyperimmune serum allowed 3 dogs to survive while administration of phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride in conjunction with hyperimmune serum allowed rapid recovery of all 4 dogs. Phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride, an aP‐adrenergic blocking drug, was chosen because of its potential to attenuate the arterial hypertension previously reported (Ilkiw et al 1988). The survival of all dogs together with the rapid return to normality indicated that this drug was beneficial in the treatment of dogs with advanced signs of tick paralysis.

Indications, durations and outcomes of mechanical ventilation in dogs and cats with tick paralysis caused byIxodes holocyclus: 61 cases (2008–2011)

“…One potential reason for this high survival probability is the resolution of neuromuscular dysfunction that occurs after administration of tick antiserum to patients with tick paralysis. In an experimental setting, the disease resolved 48–72 h after administration of serum, although none of those patients required mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy . The patients in the current study had all received tick antiserum prior to mechanical ventilation, at varying times and doses depending on whether they had been referred or were treated as primary accession cases.…”

“…In an experimental setting, the disease resolved 48-72 h after administration of serum, although none of those patients required mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy. 23 The patients in the current study had all received tick antiserum prior to mechanical ventilation, at varying times and doses depending on whether they had been referred or were treated as primary accession cases. It is possible that variability in the timing of tick antiserum administration may have influenced the duration of mechanical ventilation, but this effect could not be ascertained from the data collected.…”

Clinical presentation and treatment of tick paralysis in dogs and cats in Sydney (2001–2010)

“…The efficacy of TAS in alleviating clinical signs is also dependent on the severity of the clinical signs. TAS has been shown to be of little use in treating advanced stages of the disease . Furthermore, TAS has minimal effects in alleviating complications associated with these advanced stages, such as cardiopulmonary disease.…”

“…Acepromazine maleate (ACP) and atropine are the most commonly used premedicant drugs . However, other drugs, such as adrenaline, corticosteroids and opioids, have been used …”

Management of respiratory failure from tick paralysis

“…Tick paralysis caused by the Australian paralysis tick ( Ixodes holocyclus ) is a progressive neuromuscular disease that also affects the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems . Reported fatalities approach 100% in untreated experimentally infested dogs . Administration of a commercially available antiserum is central to the clinical management of tick paralysis, but patients continue to die despite the use of antiserum .…”