Title |
Tick toxicity in cats caused by Ixodes species in Australia: a review of published literature
|
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Published in |
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, November 2016
|
DOI | 10.1016/j.jfms.2007.06.006 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Daniel N. Schull, Annette L. Litster, Richard B. Atwell |
Abstract |
Tick toxicity in cats caused by Ixodes holocyclus and related species is a common medical condition on the east coast of Australia. Intoxication typically causes a flaccid ascending neuromuscular paralysis and clinical signs can include anxiety, dysphonia, hind limb weakness and/or ataxia, pupillary dilation, respiratory signs and possible bladder voiding dysfunction. Diagnosis is made with a combination of appropriate clinical signs and visualisation of tick(s) on a thorough body search. Cases are classified clinically using a scoring system, which grades neuromuscular weakness and respiratory compromise. The mainstays of treatment are tick removal, administration of tick antitoxin serum and intensive supportive care. Given a prompt and appropriate management regimen, prognosis is good, according to available literature. Most of the literature concerning tick toxicity in cats is anecdotal in nature and an evidence-based review of what is known of this condition has not previously been published. |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Australia | 2 | 3% |
United States | 1 | 2% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 2% |
Unknown | 56 | 93% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Other | 16 | 27% |
Researcher | 7 | 12% |
Student > Bachelor | 6 | 10% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 4 | 7% |
Lecturer | 3 | 5% |
Other | 12 | 20% |
Unknown | 12 | 20% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Veterinary Science and Veterinary Medicine | 20 | 33% |
Medicine and Dentistry | 14 | 23% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 11 | 18% |
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 1 | 2% |
Chemistry | 1 | 2% |
Other | 0 | 0% |
Unknown | 13 | 22% |