The Challenge: A Terrifying Turn After a Long Weekend Away
Hazel, a 1-year-old desexed Cavoodle, returned to Sydney on Monday after spending the long weekend in Batemans Bay with her family. Within hours, she began vomiting and developed alarming wobbliness in her back legs. Her concerned owners rushed her to an emergency hospital in Alexandria, where Hazel’s condition rapidly deteriorated. Within 24 hours, she couldn’t breathe on her own and required ventilation.
Despite receiving tick antiserum and excellent emergency care, the mounting costs became overwhelming for her family. That’s when Vet HQ Double Bay stepped in to continue Hazel’s fight for survival.
The Diagnosis: Severe Tick Paralysis with Respiratory Failure
Tick paralysis is a life-threatening condition caused by toxins from the paralysis tick. In Hazel’s case, the toxin had severely affected her respiratory muscles and caused aspiration pneumonia from repeated vomiting. When Dr Geoff Golovsky assessed her condition, Hazel was critically ill. She was unable to breathe independently, continuing to vomit, and was completely immobilised.
Her prognosis was guarded. She needed intensive, round-the-clock care to have any chance of recovery. Time was critical, and every hour mattered in preventing permanent damage or worse.
The Treatment Plan: Emergency Transport and Intensive Care
We immediately mobilised our practice ambulance, with Dr Geoff and two qualified veterinary nurses equipped with oxygen and emergency supplies making the journey to collect Hazel. The plan was clear: provide the highest level of intensive care that Hazel desperately needed, without the financial burden crushing her family’s hope.
Our comprehensive approach included:
- Continuous oxygenation
- Pharyngeal suction to clear airways
- Intravenous fluid therapy
- Biochemistry and haematology monitoring
- Nebulisation treatments
- Coupage (chest physiotherapy)
- Antibiotics for aspiration pneumonia
- Chest ultrasounds and X-rays to monitor lung condition
The Procedure: Round-the-Clock Monitoring and Life Support
For the first 24 hours, Hazel received one-on-one nursing care for 12 hours, followed by limited overnight monitoring as her condition remained critical. Our veterinary nurses never left her side during those crucial early hours, performing pharyngeal suction every time she produced secretions, adjusting her oxygen levels, and monitoring her vitals constantly.
Dr Geoff reviewed her progress throughout each day, adjusting her treatment protocol as she responded. The nebulisation and coupage helped clear her congested lungs, while careful fluid management maintained her hydration without overwhelming her compromised respiratory system. Every intervention was timed perfectly to support her body’s own healing.
Recovery: Five Days from Ventilator to Walking
Over five intensive days, Hazel gradually regained function. First, she began breathing more effectively on her own. Then, the vomiting stopped as the tick toxin cleared her system. By day three, she showed interest in food, a wonderful sign that her neurological function was returning. By day four, she could lift her head and move her legs. By day five, Hazel was eating independently and walking again.
The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. Sarah Craig, one of the veterinary nurses who cared for Hazel around the clock, described it as “one of those cases that reminds you why we do what we do. Seeing Hazel walk out after being so critical was incredible.”
The Outcome: A Lucky Dog with a Bright Future
Today, Hazel is recovering beautifully at home, though she needs to remain quiet for four weeks as her respiratory and cardiac systems fully heal from the trauma. Her family has her on the annual tick injection Bravecto Quantum the safest and most effective comprehensive tick prevention, a lesson learned the hard way.
Hazel’s owners visit regularly for progress checks at Vet HQ Double Bay, and each time they express overwhelming gratitude that their girl survived. When financial constraints threatened to end her treatment, Vet HQ’s commitment to providing accessible, compassionate care made all the difference. Our team mobilised immediately, transported Hazel safely, and delivered the intensive nursing she desperately needed.
Hazel is one incredibly lucky dog, and we couldn’t be prouder of her fighting spirit.
“When financial constraints threatened to end treatment, Vet HQ’s accessible care and expert team made all the difference in Hazel’s survival.”
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FAQs: Tick Paralysis Treatment in Sydney
What are the first signs of tick paralysis in dogs?
Early signs include wobbly back legs, weakness, change in bark, difficulty swallowing, and excessive drooling. As the toxin progresses, dogs may develop breathing difficulties and complete paralysis. If you notice any of these symptoms, especially after your pet has been in tick-prone areas like bushland or coastal regions, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Early intervention dramatically improves survival rates.
Does Vet HQ Double Bay treat tick paralysis for dogs from Rose Bay, Woollahra, and Bellevue Hill?
Yes, absolutely. We provide emergency and intensive care for tick paralysis cases from across the Eastern Suburbs, including Rose Bay, Woollahra, Bellevue Hill, Point Piper, and Bondi Junction. Our Double Bay clinic is equipped with oxygen therapy, ventilation support, 24-hour monitoring facilities, and experienced veterinary nurses trained in critical care. When tick paralysis strikes, we’re here to provide life-saving treatment close to home.
How much does tick paralysis treatment cost in Sydney?
Treatment costs vary depending on the severity of the case and the level of care required. Intensive care with ventilation, round-the-clock nursing, and multiple days of hospitalisation can be expensive. At Vet HQ, we provide transparent estimates upfront and work with pet insurance providers, including GapOnly®, to help make emergency care more accessible. We’ll always discuss your options honestly so you can make informed decisions for your pet. Discuss prevention with us first- prevention is better than treatment.
What does recovery look like after severe tick paralysis?
Recovery typically takes 2-4 weeks, with the most critical period being the first 48-72 hours. Pets need strict rest for 4 weeks as their respiratory and cardiac systems heal. Most dogs make full recoveries with appropriate intensive care, though some may experience temporary weakness or breathing difficulties. We schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure complications don’t develop during the recovery period.
How can I prevent tick paralysis in my dog?
Prevention is crucial and involves regular tick checks after walks, especially in bushland or coastal areas, combined with year-round tick prevention medication. We recommend Bravecto Quantum injection and Bravecto oral and topical products, that provides comprehensive protection and can be given monthly, quarterly, or as an annual injection. Even with prevention, always check your dog thoroughly by running your fingers through their coat from nose to tail, as no prevention is 100% effective. Early tick removal dramatically reduces the risk of paralysis.
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