Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclus) Antivenom
Active constituents
Not less than 1000 Ixodes holocyclus antitoxin units (canine origin) per mL.
Contains 2.2mg/mL Phenol as preservative 50mL.
Download Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) .
Product Overview
Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclus) Antivenom is prepared for the treatment of animals suff ering from the neurotoxic eff ects of envenomation by the paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus. The antivenom is prepared from hyperimmunised dogs and is standardised at a high anti-toxin titre, expressed in anti-toxin units, thus ensuring a satisfactory response to treatment.
Symptons of Tick Poisoning
Tick venom causes muscular paralysis. The earliest symptoms seen in dogs are a husky cough and muscular inco-ordination. Later symptoms are more advanced ataxia, dyspnoea, excessive salivation and vomiting. These symptoms progress to complete paralysis, cyanosis and eventual death.
The most obvious symptoms in other domestic species are muscular incoordination or paralysis, excessive salivation and dyspnoea. It is advisable to give serum to any cases showing such symptoms.
Location and Removal of Tick
Most ticks are found around the head and neck, particularly in dogs and cats. However the entire body, including body orifi ces and between toes should be thoroughly checked. Washing with an eff ective acaricide is strongly advised to kill any ticks not located.
Ticks are best removed by firstly killing with an eff ective acaricide, and then using forceps or scissors to extract. It is advisable to inject a small volume of serum (½-1.0 mL) under the site of attachment prior to removal.
Directions of Use
Being of canine origin, this antivenom can safely be given to dogs by the intravenous route, but with other species, it should be administered intraperitoneally because of the risk of anaphylaxis. Other species, if treated intravenously, should be treated with caution. The antivenom should be warmed, diluted with saline and given slowly. Premedication with antihistamine and cortisone is recommended thereby ensuring a safer response to treatment.
The IV route gives a much faster and more predictable response but must be closely managed / monitored in animals of a non canine origin.
Repetitive antivenom treatment after an interval of 10 or more days, particularly when the IV route has been used, can cause severe anaphylaxis. In these cases an intravenous corticoid, anti-histamine cover and adrenaline are advisable prior to antivenom administration. It is important to obtain the history of any previous antivenom administration.
Dosage and Administration
The initial dose of anti-tick serum given will be influenced by several factors viz weight-based severity of symptoms, number of attached ticks etc. Because of the wide variation in the clinical conditions as the case is presented, an identical response from the antivenom administration cannot be expected. Advanced cases in animals that are prostrate with respiratory and cardiac complications, supportive treatment is very important and the prognosis is much less favourable. As a general guide 1 mL per kg body weight IV is an adequate antivenom dose. It is important to administer a LARGE initial dose of antivenom rather than to rely on ‘top up’ doses. These doses do not appear to have the
same effect.
In cases where an initial response is followed by a relapse it indicates almost certainly the presence of another tick attachment on the animal. This necessitates the administration of more antivenom followed by a thorough body check and if necessary a body clip and an insecticidal wash.
The following dose rates are to be used as a guide only:
- CATS: 5 mL intraperitoneally
- DOGS: 10-20 mL intravenously
- GOATS, SHEEP AND PIGS: 5-12 mL intraperitoneally
- FOALS AND CALVES: 10-20 mL intraperitoneally.
General Treatment
If an animal is excitable, a tranquillising agent such as Acetylpromazine should be given. In extreme cases, a light anaesthetic may also be administered because some animals become excitable due to asphyxiation. It is very important after treatment to keep the animal in a cool, dark, relaxed atmosphere free from external stimuli. Stress is a major factor in the case of tick paralysis cases. It (stress) must be avoided as much as possible. In animals with dyspnoea, diuretics, vasodilators such as ACP and oxygen therapy are indicated. If severe vomiting occurs, an anti-emetic should be administered. Ventilatory support may be indicated in some circumstances. Where dehydration is a factor a slow IV drip of glucose saline solution is recommended. If however there is a left side diastolic heart failure, a saline drip will exacerbate the condition so therefore a colloid should be administered instead.
Some animals, particularly foals, thrash about during the recovery phase. In these cases, a padded bed with specifi c head care is most important. In the case of working or sporting dogs, a period of inactive rest for a number of weeks is important because of possible cardiac complications caused by the eff ect of tick toxin on the heart. To strenuously exercise in hot weather can have fatal results. Where there is excessive salivation or interference with the swallowing reflex, atropine sulphate should be administered. Food and oral liquids should not be given until muscular recovery is complete.
In cases of respiratory or laryngeal paralysis complications, a broad spectrum antibiotic cover should be maintained.
Storage
The recommended storage temperature is 2º-8ºC. Protect from light. Refrigerate.
Do not freeze.
On standing for long periods of time, some precipitation of proteins does occur. This does not markedly affect the potency of the product..
Disposal
The empty bottle should be wrapped in paper and placed in a garbage bin.
Presentation
Summerland Serums products are supplied to the Veterinary profession only. The product is to be used only by a registered veterinary surgeon or by a person under his or her direction.
Serum is available in 20 mL or 50 mL rubber-capped bottles.
The product is manufactured to GMP standards in an APVMA-licensed manufacturing facility and each batch is tested for potency by an APVMA-licensed laboratory. APVMA Approval No. 56661.
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