Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with full body paralysis caused by Otobius megnini tick
By I. Daniel et al.·Published in Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports·2023·View original on Semantic Scholar →
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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 throughout her body due to tick paralysis caused by a tick infestation. The vet found and removed several ticks and treated her with a medication in her ear and another topical treatment. After these treatments, the cat gradually improved and recovered. This case highlights the importance of preventing tick infestations with repellent collars and regular use of tick treatments.
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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 Semantic Scholar: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/38316500