Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with full body paralysis caused by Otobius megnini tick
By Daniel, Ian K et al.·Published in Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports·2024·Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Apparent tick paralysis by Otobius megnini in a cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
An 11-month-old female cat was brought to the vet in Luling, Texas, showing signs of depression, a fast heartbeat, and weakness in her entire body due to tick paralysis caused by an infestation of Otobius megnini ticks. After the ticks were removed, the vet treated her with milbemycin oxime in her ear and selamectin on the second day. Thankfully, the cat started to recover after the ticks were taken out, confirming that the paralysis was due to the ticks. To prevent this issue in the future, using tick repellent collars and other preventive treatments year-round is recommended.
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Abstract
In this study, we report a rare case of tick paralysis in a cat induced by Otobius megnini infestation. An 11-month-old female cat was admitted to a private veterinary clinic in Luling Texas, USA presenting with depression, tachycardia, and flaccid paralysis of the entire body. The four recovered ticks were morphologically and molecularly identified as O. megnini nymphs. Following initial tick removal and treatment with 0.1% milbemycin oxime in the ear canal on the first day of hospitalization, and additional tick removal and topical selamectin treatment on the second day of hospitalization the animal gradually improved. The recovery of the cat after tick removal supports the diagnosis of tick toxicosis. While tick antiserum is not available in North America, prevention of tick infestation and tick-induced paralysis can be effectively accomplished using repellent collars and the compliant use of other ectoparasiticide products year-round.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38316500/