Uncover the Secret in This Dog Photo That's Costing an Aussie Family $10,000 Every Day!

As we often say here at the Seniors Discount Club, the devil is in the details, and for one Australian family, a missed detail in a seemingly innocent photograph has led to a financial and emotional whirlwind. Eleana Fox, a Gold Coast resident, captured a moment of her partner and their beloved dog Reign, unaware that this snapshot would soon become a costly oversight.

The hidden detail that Eleana overlooked was a tiny paralysis tick, nestled perilously close to Reign's eye. It was only when Reign's breathing became labored, 'double the pace' of their other dogs, that Eleana sensed a dire problem. 'I let him indoors, and when he looked at me I noticed there was a lot of gunk in his eye,' she recounted to Yahoo News. Upon closer inspection, she discovered the tick, which had already begun to wreak havoc on Reign's health.


The symptoms were alarming: Reign's eye was inflamed, his back legs were losing strength, and his movements were uncoordinated. The excessive salivation was another red flag. Eleana's quick thinking led her to rush Reign to the vet, where the grim reality set in. The tick had been feasting on Reign for about 24 hours, with the photograph serving as a timestamp for the onset of this nightmare.


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Gold Coast dog owner Eleana Fox missed a crucial detail in a photo of her dog that indicated a paralysis tick infestation. Credit: Facebook / Yahoo News Australia


The financial burden that followed was staggering. The vet's immediate administration of tick antiserum was just the beginning. Eleana was faced with the possibility of a $10,000 daily vet bill if Reign required a ventilator at the emergency vet. The stress was palpable as she awaited updates on her furry friend's condition.


In a desperate plea for assistance, Eleana turned to the community, setting up a GoFundMe page to help cover the exorbitant treatment costs. She expressed her apprehension about being judged for seeking help, but the love for her pet left her with no other option.

Paralysis ticks are not just a threat to our pets; they are a menace that becomes more prevalent during the summer months. These critters release neurotoxins through their bites, which can severely affect the brain and heart functions of animals, and can be fatal if left untreated. Humans are not immune to the dangers either, as some individuals may develop life-threatening allergic reactions to the bites.

To safeguard your beloved pets from such a harrowing ordeal, Dr. Joan Gibbons advises pet owners to take proactive measures. Oral tablets can provide monthly protection, or even longer, against ticks. Additionally, Dr. Gibbons recommends the simple yet effective practice of checking your pets daily for ticks.


Key Takeaways
  • A Gold Coast dog owner, Eleana Fox, missed a small but critical detail in a photo taken of her dog that signalled a paralysis tick infestation.
  • The unnoticed tick beside her dog Reign's eye led to rapid onset of serious symptoms including difficulty in breathing, redness in the eye, mobility issues, and excess salivation.
  • The family was warned of a potential daily vet bill of $10,000 for emergency treatment, prompting them to start a GoFundMe page for financial help.
  • Paralysis ticks are highly dangerous to pets, especially in summer, and owners are advised to protect their animals with oral tablets and daily checks for ticks.
This story serves as a poignant reminder of how quickly a situation can escalate and the importance of vigilance in pet care. We encourage our readers to share their own experiences and tips on protecting their pets from ticks in the comments below. Remember, it's the little things that can make the biggest difference in the health and well-being of our furry family members.
 

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Why are so many people setting up ‘go fund me’ pages/accounts to pay for so much that comes about due to their own stupidity or lack of responsibility? You want a pet then take proper care of it and have the means BEFORE getting it to provide for it. S**t happens to everyone not just pet owners or silly people. People cannot expect to have others fund their ‘carelessness/stupidity/ignorance etc at the drop of a hat and when something happens.

I’d love to be able to set up one of these funds for myself citing something or the other I don’t have money for! Our lives and every minor thing that occurs is our responsibility. There are far more needy people in this world who could be helped with that ‘go fund me’ money. And more fool the ones who provide that money - I’d rather not have a pet, and if I did I’d not expect someone else to pay my bills for it. Pets are great company and very loving, especially dogs, but expecting to have someone else provide for one’s own expense is not a given. This ‘go fund me’ has gotten out of hand and is rearing its head in the most ridiculous of situations.
 
Boy $10,000 a day for Ventilator treatment at an Emergency Vet Clinic seems a bit rich....you would hope that your pet doesn't need too much of that sort of treatment.....especially as it seems that she has no Pet Insurance for her dog either.
 
For the people who aren't aware all States do not have paralysis ticks. so yes some people are completely ignorant of the fact that they even exist. Some of your comments are extremely cruel.
This happened to my son and his family recently. After moving to NSW from WA
(no we don't have paralysis ticks, and I'd never heard of them) they spent thousands of dollars to save two of their much loved little dogs.
Perhaps the states that have these ticks could spend a little money on advertising the fact so that newcomers are made aware.
 
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So sad for that to happen and frightening too. The cost is so prohibitive. Who can afford that much. I guess a Go Fund Me page may not raise too much too because an animal could be run over or suffer another casualty later
 
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I don't see how if you live in any state other than WA or Tassie you need to protect your animals from them, and if you take your pet to the Vet they will most definitely tell you, so I really can't see how they did not know. I know and I don't live in Queensland, NSW, NT or SA.
 
I live in WA have had animals all my life and never heard of paralysis ticks. Obviously a vet here would never have a reason to mention them.
I don't know about these people but my family had only been in NSW a short time when this happened to two of their dogs. Luckily they took them quickly to a vet and they were saved at great expense. They were neither irresponsible, stupid or uncaring, just unaware.
Just because you've heard of them doesn't mean everyone has.
I lived in SA also for many years, no paralysis ticks there either. Paralysis ticks apparently prefer damp wooded areas.
 
Why are so many people setting up ‘go fund me’ pages/accounts to pay for so much that comes about due to their own stupidity or lack of responsibility? You want a pet then take proper care of it and have the means BEFORE getting it to provide for it. S**t happens to everyone not just pet owners or silly people. People cannot expect to have others fund their ‘carelessness/stupidity/ignorance etc at the drop of a hat and when something happens.

I’d love to be able to set up one of these funds for myself citing something or the other I don’t have money for! Our lives and every minor thing that occurs is our responsibility. There are far more needy people in this world who could be helped with that ‘go fund me’ money. And more fool the ones who provide that money - I’d rather not have a pet, and if I did I’d not expect someone else to pay my bills for it. Pets are great company and very loving, especially dogs, but expecting to have someone else provide for one’s own expense is not a given. This ‘go fund me’ has gotten out of hand and is rearing its head in the most ridiculous of situations.
You have not only judged the person asking for donations on the Gofundme page, you have judged the generous kind-hearted people who may like to lend a hand to others…”and every minor thing” - so also the doggo is disregarded...comprehensive judgement indeed! It is an online request and people have the choice to do or not to do…no-one is sticking a plate in your face publicly. “When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself”.
 
Boy $10,000 a day for Ventilator treatment at an Emergency Vet Clinic seems a bit rich....you would hope that your pet doesn't need too much of that sort of treatment.....especially as it seems that she has no Pet Insurance for her dog either.
Pet insurance is an absolute rort.
I had friend who had pet insurance for her dog from puppy stage. Never made a claim until the dog turned nine and got a complaint which would then be life long.
The insurance company paid part of two bills and when she went to reinsurance they would not reinsure her dog and she then couldn't get insurance elsewhere as the dog now had a pre-existing condition.
You are better off banking the money each month. I have always done this and am way ahead and would have no problem covering any unexpected vet expenses.
 
Why are Vets so damn greedy. It makes them look like they dont love animals, yet I know most do or the wouldnt in the profession.
I love animals and I have a little dog as well... But so far so good his vet visits have been scarce and He will be 10 in Jan. 2025
These high charges is what stops many from acquiring a pet especially the elderly or those on a pension..
They make the best company and companion for us pet lovers
 
Pet insurance is an absolute rort.
I had friend who had pet insurance for her dog from puppy stage. Never made a claim until the dog turned nine and got a complaint which would then be life long.
The insurance company paid part of two bills and when she went to reinsurance they would not reinsure her dog and she then couldn't get insurance elsewhere as the dog now had a pre-existing condition.
You are better off banking the money each month. I have always done this and am way ahead and would have no problem covering any unexpected vet expenses.
Great idea 💡
 
Why are so many people setting up ‘go fund me’ pages/accounts to pay for so much that comes about due to their own stupidity or lack of responsibility? You want a pet then take proper care of it and have the means BEFORE getting it to provide for it. S**t happens to everyone not just pet owners or silly people. People cannot expect to have others fund their ‘carelessness/stupidity/ignorance etc at the drop of a hat and when something happens.

I’d love to be able to set up one of these funds for myself citing something or the other I don’t have money for! Our lives and every minor thing that occurs is our responsibility. There are far more needy people in this world who could be helped with that ‘go fund me’ money. And more fool the ones who provide that money - I’d rather not have a pet, and if I did I’d not expect someone else to pay my bills for it. Pets are great company and very loving, especially dogs, but expecting to have someone else provide for one’s own expense is not a given. This ‘go fund me’ has gotten out of hand and is rearing its head in the most ridiculous of situations.
Totally agree
 
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