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Tick paralysis in two llamas

G M Barrington1, S M Parish

  • 1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-6610, USA.

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|August 15, 1995
PubMed
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Tick paralysis in llamas is a serious condition causing weakness and motor paralysis. Prompt removal of the Dermacentor andersoni tick leads to recovery, though muscle enzyme levels may remain elevated.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Neurology
  • Toxicology
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Llamas can present with neurological signs including weakness, lethargy, and recumbency.
  • Ascending motor paralysis, with minimal sensory loss, is a key clinical sign.
  • Tick-borne illnesses are a differential diagnosis in affected camelids.

Observation:

  • Two llamas, an 18-month-old male and a 7-month-old female, exhibited progressive weakness and paralysis.
  • Both animals showed signs consistent with ascending motor paralysis.
  • A single, engorged female Dermacentor andersoni tick was identified and removed from each llama.

Findings:

  • Complete clinical recovery occurred in both llamas following tick removal, confirming tick paralysis.
  • The male llama showed rapid improvement within hours, while the female llama required several days for recovery.

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  • Elevated serum creatine kinase activity was noted in both animals, suggesting muscle or nerve damage from the tick toxin.

    • Implications:

    • This case highlights Dermacentor andersoni as a cause of tick paralysis in llamas.
    • Early diagnosis and tick removal are crucial for successful treatment and recovery.
    • Elevated creatine kinase warrants further investigation into the direct neurotoxic or myotoxic effects of the tick's secretions.