What is a Neurotoxin & What does Holocyclotoxin do?
A neurotoxin is a toxic substance which damages or destroys the cells of the central nervous system. * Holocyclotoxin is a neurotoxin which is excreted from the tick’s salivary glands into the dog. Holocyclotoxin inhibits release of acetylcholine in neurons. * Other examples of neurotoxins are: Botulinum toxin from bacteria, this blocks acetylcholine release. Apamin from the honey bee, which blocks potassium channels. Versutoxin from the funnel web spider, which opens sodium channels. How do Paralysis Ticks get onto dogs? Stimuli such as heat & movement alert the tick to a potential host. They climb onto vegetation & when an animal passes, it waves it’s forelegs (known as questing) until it makes contact with the host. What are the signs of tick poisoning in dogs? Symptoms of tick paralysis include; • Loss of appetite • Vomiting or dry retching, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, coughing. • Change to bark. • Coughing. • Noisy panting. • Difficulty swall
