Cover Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
ISSN:
0003-1488
Publication Date:
01 Feb 2020

  • 1. Bowman DD, Lynn RC, Eberhard ML, et al. Georgis' parasitology for veterinarians. 8th ed. St Louis: Saunders, 2003;1–114.

  • 2. Nagamori Y, Reichard MV. Parasitology expertise from the NCVP: feline tick-borne diseases. Today's Vet Pract 2015;5:69–74.

  • 3. Chomel BB, Kasten RW. Bartonellosis, an increasingly recognized zoonosis. J Appl Microbiol 2010;109:743–750.

  • 4. Shaw SE. Haemobartonella and bartonella: two very different diseases!, in Proceedings. World Small Anim Vet Assoc World Cong 2003;118.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 5. Atwell R. Merck veterinary manual. Overview of tick paralysis. Available at: www.merckvetmanual.com/nervous-system/tick-paralysis/overview-of-tick-paralysis. Accessed Dec 10, 2018.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 6. Luttrell MP, Creekmore LH, Mertins JW. Avian tick paralysis caused by Ixodes brunneus in the southeastern United States. J Wildl Dis 1996;32:133–136.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 7. Konjević D, Janicki Z, Severin K, et al. An outbreak of tick paralysis in free-ranging mouflon (Ovis ammon musimon). J Zoo Wildl Med 2007;38:585–587.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 8. Beyer AB, Grossman M. Tick paralysis in a red wolf. J Wildl Dis 1997;33:900–902.

  • 9. Schull DN, Litster AL, Atwell RB. Tick toxicity in cats caused by Ixodes species in Australia: a review of published literature. J Feline Med Surg 2007;9:487–493.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • 10. Botzler RG, Albrecht J, Schaefer T. Tick paralysis in a western harvest mouse. J Wildl Dis 1980;16:223–224.

  • 11. Jessup DA. Tick paralysis in a grey fox. J Wildl Dis 1979;15:271–272.

Advertisement

Tick paralysis in a free-ranging bobcat (Lynx rufus)

Meredith E. Persky DVM1, Yousuf S. Jafarey DVM1, Sarah E. Christoff1, Dewey D. Maddox1, Stephanie A. Stowell2, and Terry M. Norton DVM2,3
View More View Less
  • 1 1Department of Animal Health, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
  • | 2 2Georgia Sea Turtle Center, 214 Stable Rd, Jekyll Island, GA 31527.
  • | 3 3Jekyll Island Authority, 100 James Rd, Jekyll Island, GA 31527.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.256.3.362
Volume/Issue:
Volume 256: Issue 3
Online Publication Date:
01 Feb 2020
Restricted access
Reprints and Permissions Purchase Article

Abstract

CASE DESCRIPTION

A free-ranging male bobcat (Lynx rufus) was evaluated because of signs of pelvic limb paralysis.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

Physical examination of the anesthetized animal revealed tick infestation, normal mentation, and a lack of evidence of traumatic injuries. Radiography revealed no clinically relevant abnormalities. Hematologic analysis results were generally unremarkable, and serologic tests for exposure to feline coronavirus, FeLV, FIV, and Toxoplasma gondii were negative. Results of PCR assays for flea- and common tick-borne organisms other than Bartonella clarridgeiae were negative.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

Ticks were manually removed, and the patient received supportive care and fipronil treatment. The bobcat made a full recovery within 72 hours after treatment for ticks, and a presumptive diagnosis of tick paralysis was made. Identified tick species included Dermacenter variabilis, Amblyomma americanum, and Ixodes scapularis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

To the authors’ knowledge, tick paralysis has not previously been reported in felids outside Australia. This disease should be considered a differential diagnosis in felids, including exotic cats, with signs of neuromuscular disease of unknown etiopathogenesis.

Contributor Notes

Address correspondence to Dr. Persky (perskym@jacksonvillezoo.org).