The frog you should never kiss!
The Bufo toad (Bufo marinus) also
known as marine toad, giant toad, or cane toad is commonly found in the south
Florida area. These toads are brown to greyish-brown in color with black or
white spots. They are often seen at dusk, dawn, and during the night. Bufo
toads have glands on the back of their heads, called the parotid glands that
secrete a whitish liquid. This secretion is highly toxic to dogs, cats and
other animals. This toxin may also cause skin irritation in humans.
Dogs are commonly exposed by biting
or licking the Bufo toad. Once exposed the toxin is rapidly absorbed through
the mucous membranes (gums), eyes, open wounds, or gastrointestinal tract. The
toxin reaches the bloodstream and targets the heart, blood vessels and nervous
system.
Clinical signs you may see are
brick-red mucous membranes (gums), foamy salivation, difficulty breathing,
staggering and stumbling, vomiting, convulsions or seizures and irregular
heartbeat. There is no antidote for Bufo toad poisoning so immediate treatment
is critical.
Immediately rinse out your pet’s
mouth with a soaking wet wash cloth several times to remove the toxin from the
mouth. Please do not use a hose to rinse the mouth as water can accidentally be
inhaled into the lungs leading to aspiration pneumonia, a potentially life –threatening
condition. After rinsing your pet’s mouth, proceed to the nearest veterinary
clinic or emergency clinic as the toxin acts quickly.
In hospital treatment may consist
of intravenous fluids and medications to counteract the seizure activity and
cardiac abnormalities. Depending on the degree of symptoms your pet may have to
be hospitalized for several days following exposure.
Possible prevention of Bufo toad
poisoning includes walking your pet on a leash during times when toads are
commonly seen. Bowls of pet food and water kept outside should be picked up at
night as they have the potential to attract toads to the area.
https://vcahospitals.com/hollywood/primary/team/amanda-causey
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