ABSTRACT
American dog tick. Attach to skin from brush or scrub. Dx: Usually find adults, 3 to 15 mm, flat to bean shaped when engorged. Scutum is ornamented with patterns of white on a dark background. Have eyes on edges of scutum. No preanal groove. Nymphs look like small females Habitat: Skin. Similar Species: Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Ixodes scapularis. Range: Eastern US, western states have Dermacentor andersoni. Clinical Signs: Usually none; many can cause anemia. Potential Zoonosis: No direct transfer of pathogens without attachment. Vector of canine ehrlichias and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Tx: Removal – wash wound with alcohol.
