An Australian dog owner, Rose, has issued a warning to fellow pet owners after her dog, Boba Fett, suffered a close call with a paralysis tick, despite being regularly treated with NexGard Spectra. Rose, who lives on the far south coast of NSW, noticed an unusual tick near her dog’s tail one morning. The tick was large and engorged, similar in size to a 10-cent coin, but Boba Fett wasn’t showing any obvious signs of illness, aside from not jumping up on the bed, a behavior he usually exhibited.
Although Boba Fett was still eating, playing, and rolling over for tummy rubs, Rose quickly noticed signs of distress—excessive drooling and difficulty standing. She rushed him to the vet, where they were told that Boba Fett was showing clear signs of paralysis, likely caused by the tick.
The vet’s revelation left Rose stunned. Despite regularly administering NexGard Spectra, the vet explained that the treatment doesn’t always provide full protection in areas with high tick populations, particularly for larger dogs. This news came as a shock, as Rose had trusted the treatment’s effectiveness.
Boba Fett received an emergency serum to counteract the toxic effects of the tick, and after treatment, he was sent home to recover. However, the $1,700 vet bill left Rose in financial strain, prompting her to create a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs.
Paralysis Ticks: A Growing Threat
Paralysis ticks are a significant concern in humid, coastal regions of Australia, with their population peaking from early spring to mid-summer. They release a toxin that can cause paralysis, which can be fatal if not treated quickly. Early signs of tick paralysis include weakness, vomiting, excessive drooling, difficulty walking, and altered breathing.
Dr. Charlie May, an emergency vet, emphasized the unpredictable nature of ticks, noting that they can even be brought into homes on clothes. Thus, it’s crucial for pet owners to be vigilant, especially in areas where ticks are prevalent.
NexGard Spectra and Tick Control
NexGard Spectra, a popular tick treatment, claims to effectively control paralysis ticks for up to 35 days with a single monthly dose, according to the product’s manufacturer, Boehringer Ingelheim. Dr. Greg Little, Head of Regulatory Affairs for the company, explained that the product works by killing ticks after they attach to the pet. Although no tick treatment is 100% effective, NexGard Spectra significantly reduces the risk by killing most ticks before they inject enough toxin to cause paralysis.
Dr. Little also emphasized the importance of regular tick checks, especially in high-risk areas, and making sure pets receive the proper dosage based on their weight.
Final Thoughts
While NexGard Spectra is effective for many pets, it’s important to understand that no tick prevention product guarantees complete protection. Pet owners should remain vigilant, conduct daily tick checks, and be aware of the signs of tick paralysis. Despite the challenges, Rose’s experience serves as a reminder for all dog owners in tick-prone areas to stay informed and take preventive measures to ensure their pets’ safety.
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