ABSTRACT: There are almost 900 recognised tick species worldwide. With increased human and animal travel there is a greater potential for pet owners and veterinary professionals to encounter ticks and tick-borne diseases they have not previously been exposed to, including Australian paralysis tick species. Veterinary nurses have an important role in recognising risks and signs of possible tick envenomation, in educating clients of these risks when travelling with pets, in early identification and treatment and in caring for patients experiencing signs of tick paralysis.

Author

Candice Drew ISFM DipFN DipVN(surg) DipT(EC) RVN

Candice qualified as a veterinary nurse in Australia in 2005, being awarded the Novartis Award for Outstanding Achievement in Veterinary Nursing in her qualifying year. She has worked extensively in Australia and the UK, primarily in referral nursing (Emergency & Critical Care). She attained the Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (surgical) in 2009, qualified as a trainer & assessor in 2015, and completed the ISFM Diploma in Feline Nursing in 2018. Candice is interested in most aspects of veterinary nursing but her passions are feline nursing, ECC, wildlife nursing, working with students and writing for pet owners.

Email: catrvn16@gmail.com

Keywords: Australian paralysis tick; tick envenomation; Ixodes holocyclus; Ixodes cornuatus; tick antitoxin serum; pet owner education; ectoparasite

To cite this article:  Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 36 (04) • April 2021 pp127-131

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