What does a wound look like after a tick bite on a dog? - briefly
The bite site appears as a tiny, circular puncture often surrounded by a faint reddened halo or mild swelling. If the tick remains attached, the mouthparts may be visible as a small black dot, and the area may develop a thin scab.
What does a wound look like after a tick bite on a dog? - in detail
A tick attachment leaves a pinpoint puncture at the site where the mouthparts entered the skin. The entry point is usually less than 2 mm in diameter and may be surrounded by a faint halo of redness that can expand to a few centimeters in radius. In the first 12–24 hours the area often appears flat, with a thin, translucent scab that may be mistaken for a minor abrasion.
Within 24–48 hours the lesion can become raised and swollen. The surrounding tissue may feel warm to the touch and display a pink‑to‑light‑red coloration. Small amounts of clear or serous fluid may accumulate under the skin, creating a subtle blister that can burst, leaving a moist crust. In some cases a thin, darkened scab forms over the puncture, resembling a small, round ulcer.
If the tick remains attached for several days, the wound may develop:
- A larger erythematous zone (up to 5 cm) with a distinct margin.
- A central depression or ulceration where the tick’s hypostome was embedded.
- Purulent discharge, indicating secondary bacterial infection.
- Necrotic tissue or blackened edges if tissue death occurs.
Complications such as tick‑borne illnesses can alter the appearance. Fever, lethargy, or joint swelling may accompany a wound that becomes progressively larger, with irregular borders and a thick, yellowish exudate. In such cases, the lesion may not heal within the usual 7–10‑day period and can develop chronic granulation tissue.
Key visual indicators for a veterinarian’s assessment include:
- Size of the puncture and any surrounding erythema.
- Presence of a scab, crust, or ulcer on the surface.
- Consistency of the tissue (firm, soft, fluctuant).
- Type of discharge (clear, serous, purulent, hemorrhagic).
- Changes in temperature or swelling of adjacent tissue.
Recognition of these characteristics enables prompt removal of the tick and appropriate wound management, reducing the risk of infection and disease transmission.