Toffee Survives Tick Paralysis

Patient details

Name: Toffee
Age: 16 years old
Breed: Ragdoll Cross
Gender: Female

Sweet Toffee faced a frightening battle with tick paralysis and aspiration pneumonia. After being rushed to Animal Emergency Service (AES) by her owners when they noticed her vomiting, breathing difficulties and trouble walking, Toffee was quickly moved to the ICU for urgent treatment.

Thanks to the care she received, Toffee has made a remarkable recovery and is back home, thriving with her loving family.

Patient history

Initial presentation

Toffee’s owners brought her to AES after she vomited during the night and was later found struggling to walk and breathing rapidly. Upon examination, a paralysis tick was discovered on her neck. Due to the severity of her symptoms, including breathing difficulties and paralysis, Toffee was immediately admitted to the ICU for intensive care and treatment.

Treatment for tick paralysis and aspiration pneumonia

Toffee’s treatment included the following:

Tick antiserum (TAS): Administered intravenously to neutralise the tick’s toxin.
Sedation: To keep her calm and manage anxiety during her hospital stay.
Full body clip and topical tick treatment: To search for any additional ticks and ensure none were missed.
IV fluid therapy: To maintain hydration.
Oxygen therapy and nebulisation: To support her breathing and treat her aspiration pneumonia.
IV antibiotics: To combat the infection in her lungs.
Anti-nausea medication: To prevent further vomiting.
Tube feeding: This method provides nutrition through a naso-oesophageal (NO) tube while minimising the risk of further aspiration.
Intensive nursing care: Including bladder care, manual bladder expression, eye lubrication, pressure care and maintaining her overall hygiene.

Outcome

After spending 8 days in the ICU at AES, Toffee was transferred to CSS for an additional two days before being well enough to go home. Despite her short stay, Toffee made a lasting impression on the CSS team with her sweet and affectionate personality, always greeting us with purrs and head bumps. Her owners report she is now back to her usual self, full of love and attention, and they credit her recovery to the dedicated care she received.

Toffee’s journey is a testament to the importance of prompt treatment for tick paralysis. Here’s how we (and VSS) treat tick paralysis.

Are you worried about your cat’s health?

If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.

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Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.

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Contacting Us

Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.

Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.

1300 228 377

1-15 Lexington Rd,
Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119

Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pm
Saturday/Sunday - Closed