Jove
Visualize
Contact Us

Related Experiment Videos

Tick paralysis in a grey fox.

D A Jessup

    Journal of Wildlife Diseases
    |April 1, 1979
    PubMed
    Summary

    Tick paralysis caused by Derm D. variabilis infestation in a grey fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) led to hind limb paresis. Prompt removal of the ticks resulted in complete recovery, confirming the diagnosis.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    Zoonotic diseases associated with free-roaming cats.

    Zoonoses and public health·2012
    Same author

    Ultrastructural and molecular confirmation of the development of Sarcocystis neurona tissue cysts in the central nervous system of southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis).

    International journal for parasitology·2009
    Same author

    Type X Toxoplasma gondii in a wild mussel and terrestrial carnivores from coastal California: new linkages between terrestrial mammals, runoff and toxoplasmosis of sea otters.

    International journal for parasitology·2008
    Same author

    Transmission of Toxoplasma: clues from the study of sea otters as sentinels of Toxoplasma gondii flow into the marine environment.

    International journal for parasitology·2005
    Same author

    An unusual genotype of Toxoplasma gondii is common in California sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) and is a cause of mortality.

    International journal for parasitology·2004
    Same author

    Patterns of mortality in southern sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis) from 1998-2001.

    Journal of wildlife diseases·2003
    JoVE
    x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
    ABOUT JoVE
    OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
    AUTHORS
    Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
    LIBRARIANS
    TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
    RESEARCH
    JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
    EDUCATION
    JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
    Terms & Conditions of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Policies

    Area of Science:

    • Veterinary Neurology
    • Parasitology
    • Wildlife Health

    Background:

    • Tick paralysis is a neurological condition caused by toxins secreted by certain tick species.
    • Dermacentor variabilis, the American dog tick, is a known vector for various pathogens and can cause paralysis.

    Observation:

    • A grey fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) presented with significant hind limb paresis and reduced motor reflexes.
    • A heavy infestation of 117 Dermacentor variabilis ticks was noted on the fox's head and back.

    Findings:

    • The clinical signs observed in the fox were consistent with tick paralysis.
    • Following the complete removal of all Dermacentor variabilis ticks, the fox exhibited rapid and full recovery.

    Implications:

    • This case highlights the potential for Dermacentor variabilis to cause severe neurological deficits in wildlife.
    • Prompt identification and removal of ticks are crucial for successful treatment and recovery in cases of tick paralysis.
    • Understanding tick-borne diseases in wildlife populations is essential for conservation and public health efforts.

    Related Experiment Videos