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Showing posts with label TICKS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TICKS. Show all posts


Protecting your furry friends during Australian travels

As Australians embark on travel around the country over the festive period, dog owners are being urged to be vigilant about a growing threat – the rise of deadly bacterial diseases carried by brown ticks. 

The dangers of travelling with dogs in Australia have escalated due to the rampant spread of a potentially fatal bacterial disease known as Ehrlichiosis, carried by infected brown ticks.

The Brown Tick Menace

Travelling with your dogs in Australia now comes with an added caution. Brown ticks, widely distributed across the continent, are carriers of Ehrlichiosis, a bacterial disease that can prove fatal to dogs if left untreated. The disease is particularly prevalent in northern Australia and has been spreading rapidly southwards in both Western Australia (WA) and Queensland (QLD), with the Northern Territory (NT) being considered endemic.




Symptoms and Risks

Dogs bitten by infected ticks can display a range of symptoms, from fever to bleeding from the nose. Without prompt treatment, the disease can progress rapidly, leading to severe consequences, including death. As temperatures rise, the spread of Ehrlichiosis is becoming more pronounced, necessitating increased awareness and preventative measures.

Protective Measures for Your Pooch

To safeguard your furry companions during travels, it is strongly recommended to treat dogs for ticks, both internally and externally. The use of tick repellent collars or treatments, with Seresto collars being recommended, can be an effective preventive measure. It is crucial to act swiftly as the disease can develop within hours of a tick bite.

Educate Yourself about Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

Travellers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the comprehensive information available on the web page titled ‘Ehrlichiosis in Dogs - DAFF’. [1] This resource provides a thorough understanding of the condition, its symptoms, and the current spread of Ehrlichiosis across Australia.

Minimising the Spread and Protecting Our Dogs

While the disease has not yet reached the southern regions of Australia, the rapid pace of its spread demands heightened awareness and proactive measures. Dog owners are advised to avoid bushy areas, opting for parks with short grass as safer spaces for their dogs.

Act Now and Save Lives

With the risk of tick-borne diseases on the rise, it is incumbent upon dog owners to take immediate and proactive steps to protect their canine companions. By understanding the risks, staying informed, and adopting preventive measures, we can collectively minimise the further spread of Ehrlichiosis and ensure the safety and well-being of our beloved dogs.

written by Dr Karen Hedberg BVSc, December 2023 for Dogs NSW.

Reference:


MEDIA RELEASE, 12th December 2023

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Warning for pet owners with new research revealing deadly tick paralysis occurs all year-round

Vets call on dog owners to stay up to date with tick prevention to reduce potentially costly, and potentially fatal, consequences.

Vets are urging pet owners to be compliant with tick prevention after a new study published in the International Journal for Parasitology found paralysis tick cases are seen all year-round (including throughout the winter months)[1]. The study found that there are significant variations in the peak season of tick paralysis by region.

Reporting on data from 22,840 cases of tick paralysis in dogs and cats from four regions along the east coast of Australia over a period of up to 19 years, results revealed that the peak season of tick paralysis starts earlier in in the north than in the south. It also uncovered that Victoria had two peak seasons of tick paralysis, while other regions only had one.

The new findings come as the Australian Paralysis Tick Advisory Panel, which consists of veterinary and scientific experts, once again looks to put a spotlight on the dangers of deadly paralysis ticks with the start of the annual National Tick Awareness Month for Pets (August 1 -31).

Author of the study, Professor Stephen Barker, University of Queensland, says, “While it is known that there are peak seasons for tick paralysis, the study reminds us that cases still occur outside the traditional high-risk period in spring and early summer – cases are seen year-round, including during the cooler winter months.

“This finding further validates the call for dog owners to be compliant with using an effective tick control product all year-round. People living in non-paralysis tick zones should also remain vigilant, especially when travelling with their pet,” Professor Barker said.

Despite the impact of paralysis ticks on Australian pets, there is still a lot that is poorly understood about these parasites.

Paralysis ticks are parasites that live by feeding on blood. As they feed, they inject dogs with a neurotoxin, and this can cause signs of paralysis. Complacency with tick prevention can cost dog owners tens of thousands of dollars, and some dogs will die from tick paralysis despite the best veterinary care.

However, in positive news, new data on owner compliance with using tick prevention over the past 12 months shows there’s been an increase across the eastern seaboard from 43% to 54% [2].

In NSW, compliance has increased from 51% to 54%, including Sydney up from 51% to 54% and Northern Regional NSW from 51% to 62%. In QLD, compliance amongst dog owners increased from 45% to 49%. Brisbane grew 46% to 60%, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast 55% to 68% and Regional QLD from 38% to 49%. And, in Victoria, a state found to have two tick seasons, compliance increased significantly going from 30% to 53%.

Commenting on the compliance of Australian dog owners with tick prevention, Professor Barker says “We’ve seen a strong increase in dog owner compliance with tick prevention across the eastern seaboard and education and awareness about the importance of tick prevention is growing year-on-year – so the aim of National Tick Awareness Month for Pets is to build on this trajectory.

“It’s important for dog owners to understand the risks of paralysis ticks and the consequences that can result from not being proactive with protecting their dog all year-round,” Professor Barker concluded.

To best protect dogs from paralysis ticks, vets are urging owners to use an effective tick control product, like NexGard SPECTRA®, all year-round. 



They should also perform daily searches following three easy steps:

✔️ Gently move your fingertips through the coat at the level of the skin, feeling for any bumps.

✔️ Start at the head and neck - don't forget the mouth and ears - and continue down the front legs to the paws, checking between and under the toes. Search the chest, belly, back, tail, and back legs.

✔️ Remove the collar and search for ticks that may be hiding underneath it.

For more information on National Tick Awareness Month for Pets and information on how to best protect dogs from ticks, fleas, mites, heartworm and intestinal worms, visit nexgard.com.au/tickcheck.

References:

[1] Teo, E. J. M., Arganda, A., Webster, R., Yappa, A., Barker, D. & Barker, S. C. (2023) Two seasons of tick paralysis in Victoria yet one season in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. International Journal for Parasitology, 53, 43–53.

[2] Source Kantar on behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim. According to dosing to manufacturer’s instructions in treating for ticks. Online survey of n=600 dog owners. Data from April 2022-April 2023.

About NexGard SPECTRA®

NexGard SPECTRA®, manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, is a tasty once-a-month chew suitable for puppies and dogs from eight weeks of age and weighing at least 2 kg. NexGard SPECTRA® provides the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty chew, and is available in Australia at leading veterinary clinics, pet specialty stores and online. See product label for full claim details and directions for use.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-in-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, farmers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock. 

MEDIA RELEASE, 1st August 2023

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The team at Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) Central Coast has been bolstered with a new veterinary criticalist joining the ranks at its Tuggerah facility.

Dr Lisa Smart brings a new level of expertise to the team and will enable more critically ill pets to receive life-saving care close to home, rather than being transferred to Sydney.

Dr Lisa says she is looking forward to increasing the level of care provided to pets around the Central Coast.

“I’m excited to join the team here on the beautiful Central Coast and being able to help pets remain close to family in their time of need,” she says.

Dr Lisa brings with her an unparalleled level of experience, being board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, has completed a PhD in human medical research (Emergency Medicine), and has 13 years of experience as Senior Lecturer in Emergency and Critical Care at Murdoch University. She has an impressive track record in clinical research and teaching on the international stage.

Her role will provide additional support to the emergency department at SASH Central Coast, as well ICU and post-surgery care, should a patient’s condition deteriorate.
“Criticalists play an essential role in providing a high level of care to patients that have life-threatening illnesses. It is similar to what an intensivist doctor does in a human hospital.”
Being behind the scenes, the incredible work of criticalists is mostly unseen and so their impact is overlooked. Someone can’t walk in and book an appointment with a criticalist and yet their pet may have been given lifesaving treatment by a specialist in this field.

Dr Lisa Smart - New Criticalist
 at SASH Central Coast 
Dr Lisa will support local veterinarians, who often partner with and refer patients to the emergency department at SASH Central Coast, if they are critical or needing urgent specialist referral.

She will also play a part in SASH’s industry leading training and education program, presenting at webinars to an audience of hundreds of local vets, who can earn continuing education points.

“Later this month, I’ll be presenting a seminar reviewing the latest research on anaphylaxis in dogs,” says Dr Lisa.

“These types of cases can be tricky and are especially important to diagnose and treat correctly, as time is of the essence for severally affected patients. I’m excited to present case studies I’ve had contact with through my clinical experience and clinical research and offer local vets practical advice.”

Continuing through summer and the warmer months, SASH has also seen an increase in animals requiring emergency treatments for other time-critical conditions such as tick paralysis, which can be deadly for cats and dogs.

The warm weather combined with the continued heavy rain have made the conditions perfect for ticks to thrive.

“If a pet suffers from tick paralysis, it’s essential that they’re taken to a vet immediately so that they can receive treatment,” says Dr Lisa.

Paralysis ticks cause muscle paralysis, leading to breathing difficulties and, in serious cases, patients may require ventilation in an ICU. This is why tick prevention is paramount.

SASH Central Coast is open 24/7, every day of the year for walk-ins, when urgent veterinary care is needed.

To learn more about Dr Lisa Smart and her work at SASH, visit www.sashvets.com or contact (02) 4311 1311.

MEDIA RELEASE, 24th February 2022

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Pet owners are splurging hundreds of dollars on clothes or bling for their furry friends, but when it comes to protection against parasites seven out of ten people forget to treat their animals on time!

Veterinarian, Dr Evan Shaw says too many dogs and cats are unnecessarily dying from parasites they could easily be protected from.

“Pet owners simply forget to give their pet’s parasite prevention or they are wrongly led to believe one product will cover everything when in actual fact, it doesn’t,” said Dr Shaw.

“Some products are given every 6 months, but weight gain from puppy/kitten to adult can lead to wildly insufficient dosages of parasite treatment leaving pets vulnerable and at risk of dying,” he said.

“Paralysis ticks are one of the biggest killers of animals with over 20,000 dogs admitted to vet hospitals each year on Australia’s east coast* as a result of paralysis ticks and around 5,000 lose their lives.”

“There are over 100 different products on the market to treat a wide range of parasites and no one product in Australia will cover everything, regardless of what they’ll tell you on TV.”

“Spring is the start of paralysis tick season, the most deadly tick species in Australia, with a single bite able to kill a large dog and requires immediate medical intervention.”

“Tick Paralysis symptoms typically include: a change in your pet’s breathing, heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting and an inability to swallow. Another tell-tale sign is “the wobbles” in their back legs progressing to complete collapse as they are slowly being paralysed from the tail up by the tick.”

Dr Evan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis forcing him to retire from vet surgery but his passion to continue to save animal lives led him to create Fleamail, a subscription-based mail order flea, tick and worming program specific to a pet's needs and delivered to your front door when you need to administer it to your pet, for less than going to a pet store or clinic.

“At the time I was also fostering a puppy called Sirius who I rehabilitated for 6 weeks and was adopted by wonderful people who I reminded to buy parasite medication - they ended up forgetting, as many pet owners do, and we had to put him down two weeks later because he had very advanced paralysis from a tick.”

“It was at that moment I thought about how many other people lose track of their pet’s health and so Fleamail was born.”

Dr Evan's Tips to help you spot a tick on your dog or cat:

1. Your dog acts strange.

After a tick bite, especially a paralysis tick your dog may show symptoms of weakness or not wanting to play like normal, no appetite, unusual panting and a “funny” cough or bark. If you notice any of these signs, please see a vet.

2. The “wobbles”.

The toxin’s effects progress from the tail towards the head so you might also notice what looks like your pet is a little “drunk” in their hind legs and an inability to raise their tail like normal.

3. Excessively licking and drooling.

While ticks are often in places where dogs can’t reach easily, your dog may excessively lick if it knows it has a tick and have a wet muzzle from excessive drooling. 

Pay close to attention if your dog keeps licking one, or a few spots. Common areas are your dog’s ears, groin or under their front legs.

4. Unusual scabs or skin irritations.

A tick may have had its fill and left your dog already, however the signs are often still there. Many dogs excessively nip or lick at the bite site. If you notice this behaviour or find scabs on your dog’s body, make sure to conduct a closer examination.

5. Check over your pet.

Run your hands over your pet and feel for a small bump that could vary from the size of a small pebble to a pea. If you feel any abnormality, grab the torch and get as good a look as you can. You can’t miss a tick when you find one.

6. Keep the tick for identification.

Once you’ve removed it, keep the tick in a jar or zip lock bag so you can get it identified by your vet if need be. 

If you notice any signs in your pet, or are the least bit concerned, please contact your local vet straight away.

* https://publications.csiro.au/publications/publication/PIprocite:0916be76-8bfb-48a5-aa26-be9b88bdd3fc; https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:62987

About Fleamail

Fleamail is an affordable monthly subscription service delivering flea, tick and worming treatments based on the pet's size, age and location to homes across the country.




MEDIA RELEASE, 25th October 2021
Petbarn and Greencross Vets urge pet owners to protect pets against parasites after common myths revealed

Petbarn and Greencross Vets are calling on all pet parents - especially new ones - to protect their four-legged friends against fleas, ticks and worms this Spring.

The call-to-action comes after Greencross Vets has seen an increase in parasite cases occurring during winter - before the warmer months have even set in. According to a recent survey*, over 40% of pet parents are not properly treating their pets for fleas whilst 60% are not following tick-prevention guidance.

To assist and educate pet parents navigate this troublesome issue, Petbarn and Greencross Vets have revealed the most common parasite myths – including pet parents wrongly assuming pets are only at risk in the summer months and that puppies and kittens are too young to contract parasitic diseases.

Greencross Vets Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Magdoline Awad, said: “Throughout COVID-19, we have seen an influx of new pet owners who may not be aware of how important parasite prevention is, particularly for puppies and kittens.

“Intestinal parasites can cause weight loss, vomiting, anaemia, blockage and if severe enough cause death in pets, so it’s imperative to have an effective prevention in place. With so much confusion around parasite prevention, we’re committed to busting myths and calling on all pet owners to make sure their pet is protected against parasites.”

Most common parasite myths:

1. Parasites are only a risk in summer

a. While fleas and ticks may thrive in warmer environments, they are very much a risk to your pet all year-round.

2. I can’t see worms, so my pets mustn’t have any

 a. Worms live in your pet’s intestines and your pet will most likely only have worm eggs and larvae in their faeces, which are too small for the naked human eye to see, if they’re already contaminated.

3. My puppy/kitten is too young to have contracted a parasite
a. Newborn puppies and kittens have a weaker immune system and can be contaminated from their mother’s milk. Some kittens are even born with worms already.

4. My pet lives indoors / in our garden, so they can’t contract parasites

a. Not going outside does not parasite-proof your pet. Simply eating contaminated grass, or licking shoes, can cause contamination. Humans can also unknowingly bring parasites into their homes on clothing. Parasites like fleas are very resilient and can lay dormant in carpet and furniture for months before being activated.

5. Humans can’t contract parasites from pets

a. Humans can contract parasites from their pets through contact with contaminated faeces, through saliva, coming in contact with areas that pets relieve themselves in, or something as harmless as getting close for a snuggle. Due to their rapid multiplication, a few fleas on your pet can soon infest your entire home.

6. A single product can protect my pet from all parasites

a. No single product can provide 100% protection against all parasites so you must always use a combination of two products to keep your pet safe – our FTW Finder Tool can help you find the right product combination.

7. I can give my cat, dog medication (and vice versa)

a. No. Though they’re just as adorable on the outside, cats and dogs metabolise some drugs differently meaning that while dogs may be able to be given a certain medication, the same medication could be lethal for a cat. It’s essential that you read all labels very carefully and only provide your pet with medication specifically registered for use in their species, appropriate for their age and weight.

How to protect against parasites – removing the confusion

With so many parasites out there, that can harm our pets (and our families), it can be very confusing and overwhelming for pet parents to choose the right product that provides complete protection.

To help pet parents navigate parasite confusion, the experts at Petbarn and Greencross Vets have developed a Flea, Tick and Worm Treatment Finder tool to help identify the exact combination of treatment pets need for total parasite protection.

The tool even takes into consideration the pet’s location – as parasites in Australia can vary according to geography:
Parasite Protection Finder for dogs at petbarn.com.au/ftwfinderdog
Parasite Protection Finder for cats at petbarn.com.au/ftwfindercat

Greencross Vets Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Magdoline Awad, said: “We understand just how confusing parasite prevention can be, particularly when there’s not one silver bullet for treatment. We hope our Finder Tool will put pet owners’ minds at ease and keep our pets happy, healthy and parasite-free!”

If you need further help choosing the correct parasite protection, please speak to your local Greencross Vet.

 *According to a survey of 503 dog owners by Boehringer Ingelheim.
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