Happy Tears as Malnourished Stray Husky With Tick Paralysis Finally Climbs Stairs on His Own
Bernheim is a Siberian Husky with an extraordinary tale of resilience. Documented on the TikTok account @mgafurriendsnibalto, Bernie’s journey from a paralyzed stray to a mobile, thriving pet has captured hearts online.
Found in dire condition, Bernie was severely malnourished and suffering from tick paralysis – a potentially fatal condition if left untreated. Mere months ago, he couldn’t even stand independently, let alone navigate stairs.
Today, the picture is dramatically different. Recent videos show Bernie courageously climbing stairs on his own, his determination overcoming his slightly wobbly gait. This remarkable progress is attributed to treatment for tick paralysis and ongoing hydrotherapy sessions, which have played crucial roles in restoring Bernie’s mobility.
Bernie’s transformation serves as an inspiring reminder of the resilience of our canine companions and the profound impact of dedicated care and medical treatment.
Bernie’s owner shared a video of him climbing the stairs along with the caption: “Another victory against tick paralysis and severe starvation. Good job, Bernheim!”
What is Tick Paralysis in Dogs?
In the simplest terms, tick paralysis is a potentially deadly form of paralysis caused by certain female tick species. Paralysis ticks can affect both cats and dogs. There are several species of ticks that can afflict our beloved pets, but the paralysis tick is the most dangerous of them all.
So, if you’ve ever wondered: “Can a tick cause paralysis in a dog?” or “Can a tick bite cause paralysis in dogs?” the short answer is, only specific species of ticks (female) can.
Besides feeding on your dog’s blood by burrowing their mouth-parts into the skin, paralysis ticks also secrete a poisonous neurotoxin (through their saliva) that directly attacks the nervous system, causing progressive muscle weakness and paralysis. More and more of this toxin diffuses into your dog’s system the longer the paralysis ticks remain attached to their body.
In addition, this paralysis tick toxin affects a dog’s ability to breathe and swallow normally, putting them at risk of serious compilations.
“The tick attaches to the skin, and in doing so, it injects some saliva while it’s sucking your pet’s blood. This saliva contains a neurotoxin that disrupts the connection between the nerves and the muscles of the body, and results in weakness and paralysis. But not only does it affect the muscles that the pet needs to stand and walk, but it also affects the muscles that they need to breathe and to swallow,” explained Dr. Claire Stevens in a TikTok video.
Paralysis Tick Season: When Are Paralysis Ticks Common?
According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, paralysis ticks in the United States are mostly reported in the Southeastern regions, the Rocky Mountain States, and the Pacific Northwest.
The widely held assumption is that ticks responsible for paralysis in dogs are only present during the summer months. While summer is indeed the high-risk season for paralysis ticks, these ticks are also abundant during spring. However, it’s not unusual for cases of tick paralysis to be reported at any time of the year, including winter. This is why it’s important for dog owners to take precautions throughout.
Tick Paralysis in Dogs Symptoms
Initially, symptoms of tick paralysis in dogs appear mild but progress rapidly as the ticks continue feeding on your pup’s blood. According to Dr. Renee O’Duhring of The Natural Vets, these symptoms can kick in less than three days after a paralysis tick hosts itself onto your dog’s body.
“They do not need to be attached for a minimum of three days before the paralysis symptoms set in,” Dr. Renee told ABC News.
Early signs of tick paralysis in dogs include:
- Difficulty walking due to loss of coordination in the hind and front legs (wobbliness)
- Difficulty sitting or standing
- Difficulty breathing (labored or rapid breathing)
- Frequent gagging and vomiting
- Change in barking sounds
- Constant coughing
- Trouble swallowing food
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Inability to blink their eyes
Ticks and Paralysis in Dogs: Treatment & Prevention
If your furry friend is showing signs of tick paralysis, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Typically, the intensity of treatment for tick paralysis depends on the severity of the symptoms your dog is exhibiting. Initial treatment often starts with the removal of the paralysis ticks attached to your dog’s skin. This may be done while your dog is sedated to prevent further stress.
Dogs with tick paralysis are often administered a tick anti-serum, which helps stop the neurotoxin secreted by the ticks from causing more damage to the nervous system. Your dog may show signs of improvement within hours after the tick is removed.
“Once the tick is found and removed, the paralysis resolves in 12–24 hours,” Dr Andrew Jones of Veterinary Secrets reveals.
However, in severe cases—that is, if they had many paralysis ticks for a prolonged period—they’ll likely need ongoing treatment to fully regain their mobility.
Tick paralysis is highly preventable, and it starts with you taking the necessary preventive measures as a dog owner.
The surest way to prevent tick paralysis is to ensure your four-legged friend is on a tick prevention treatment program all year round. It’s advisable to consult your vet so they can guide you on the most effective preventative treatment for your dog. In addition, experts recommend thoroughly inspecting your dog for ticks as often as possible and removing these ticks using a tick remover.
“Make sure your pets have tick prevention all year round and continue regular tick searching,” the veterinary team at Northside Emergency Veterinary Services advises.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Ticks Cause Paralysis In Dogs?
Not all ticks cause paralysis in dogs. Only specific female tick species are responsible for tick paralysis in dogs.
How Long Does Tick Paralysis Last in Dogs?
The short answer is, it depends. How long the symptoms of tick paralysis last depends on the extent of the tick infection and how soon your dog receives treatment.
Can Tick Bites Cause Paralysis in Dogs?
Not all tick bites lead to paralysis. Instead, bites from certain female tick species cause paralysis in dogs.
