What symptoms does a dog show when bitten by an encephalitis tick? - briefly
Typical signs include fever, decreased activity, loss of appetite, and neurological disturbances such as unsteady gait, tremors, seizures, or facial paralysis. Symptoms usually emerge within days to weeks after the tick bite.
What symptoms does a dog show when bitten by an encephalitis tick? - in detail
Canine infection by a tick that transmits encephalitic viruses produces a spectrum of clinical manifestations. Early systemic responses often appear within 24–72 hours after the bite and include elevated body temperature, reduced activity, and decreased food intake. These nonspecific signs may precede neurological involvement.
Neurological abnormalities develop rapidly and dominate the clinical picture. Typical observations are:
- Tremors of the limbs or facial muscles
- Unsteady gait, loss of coordination, and tendency to fall (ataxia)
- Involuntary rhythmic muscle contractions (seizures)
- Partial or complete paralysis of one or more limbs
- Drooping of the eyelid or abnormal eye movements (cranial nerve deficits)
- Head tilt, circling, or inability to maintain balance
- Disorientation, altered responsiveness, and changes in behavior
Ocular irritation, such as photophobia or conjunctival redness, may accompany facial nerve dysfunction. Respiratory distress can arise from central depression of the brainstem, while gastrointestinal signs—vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain—occasionally manifest as secondary effects.
In severe cases, hemorrhagic lesions within the brain produce rapid deterioration, characterized by coma, loss of reflexes, and potentially fatal outcomes. The progression from initial fever to full neurologic collapse may occur within days, underscoring the urgency of prompt veterinary assessment and intervention.