Histopathological changes in the lungs from dogs with tick paralysis: 25 cases (2010-2012)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Canine Medicine

Background:

• Tick paralysis is a serious neurological condition in dogs caused by toxins from ticks.
• Pulmonary complications are not well-characterized in dogs with severe tick paralysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of lung lesions in dogs diagnosed with tick paralysis.
• To understand the pathological changes in the lungs of dogs affected by tick paralysis.

Main Methods:

• A prospective postmortem study was conducted on 25 client-owned dogs that succumbed to or were euthanized due to tick paralysis.
• Lung tissues were collected for detailed histopathological examination.

Main Results:

• All 25 dogs exhibited significant pulmonary lesions.
• Congestion and alveolar oedema were observed in 9 dogs; 1 had these with increased alveolar macrophages.
• Bronchopneumonia was diagnosed in 15 dogs, with 2 cases showing aspiration pneumonia.

Conclusions:

• Clinically severe tick paralysis is associated with pulmonary parenchymal disease in dogs.
• Bronchopneumonia is a common finding and may result from aspiration in these cases.