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; may cause anemia. Comment: Vector of feline Cytauxzoonosis. Potential Zoonosis: No direct transfer of pathogens without attachment. Tx: Removal – wash wound with alcohol.
