Luckily they found the offending tick and removed it in time; removal of the embedded tick usually results in resolution of symptoms within several hours to days. If the tick is not removed, the toxin can be fatal, with reported mortality rates of 10–12 percent, usually due to respiratory paralysis. The tick is best removed by grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and applying firm steady pressure.
The dog in the story had become totally paralyzed but I am happy to report is recovering just fine now. The symptoms begin between 2-7 days from the tick's attachment to the animal. Per Wikipedia, beginning with weakness in both legs that progresses to paralysis. The paralysis ascends to trunk, arms, and head within hours and may lead to respiratory failure and death. Currently there is no vaccine available for any tick-borne disease.
So I am encouraging every dog-mom and dog-dad to please, apply the topical, try to stay out of infected tick areas especially in the spring and summer, and VERY IMPORTANT, perform a daily tick check...it just might save your beloved pet's life.
More information can be found at (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tick_paralysis)
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