The return of the rainy season heralds the croaking of amphibians after dark and the almost-nightly unwanted exercise of chasing after and removing toads from the curious noses, paws and mouths of our pets. Some owners swear that their pets actively seek out these warty creatures to lick them for a "fix" of the poison which seems to send animals into a hallucination. Maybe this justifies the myth that kissing a frog will turn it into a prince! In T&T, amphibians fall into eight families: Bufonidae (toads); Dendrobatidae (poisonous frogs); Hylidae (tree frogs); Leptodactylidae (leptodactylids); Microhylidae (narrow-mouthed toads); Pseudidae (paradoxical frogs); Pipidae (tongueless frogs) and Ranidae (true frogs). Frogs and toads differ mainly in appearance with frogs having smooth, moist skin and toads having rough, dry, bumpy skin. Frogs mainly inhabit rainforest ecosystems since they need to live near water, and rarely come into contact with domesticated animals. The cane toad (Bufo marinus)-locally called "crapaud"-is the species both dogs and cats are likely to interfere with, in addition to small rodents, reptiles, other amphibians, birds and a range of invertebrates. Dogs are more curious and extroverted so they tend to be at a higher risk of poisoning, but cats can also be poisoned. The pet does not necessarily have to lick or eat an amphibian: if a toad is attracted to a pet's water bowl and sits on the rim or inside long enough, it can leave enough toxin to make the pet sick. This is one reason for changing your pet's water frequently.
When cane toads feel threatened, their defense mechanism is to exude a milky, highly-irritating toxin called bufotoxin mostly from enlarged parotoid glands behind their eyes. This poison is also expelled by the contraction of periglandular muscles in the skin. When handled roughly, they can even squirt the poison up to two metres. Components of bufotoxin are toxic to many animals including humans. The extent, or severity, of poisoning depends on a number of factors, including the species of frog or toad; the extent of contact or exposure; the length of time since exposure; and the initial physical health of the pet. Immediate veterinary care is essential. Toad toxicity is usually diagnosed if the owner sees the pet playing with, mouthing or eating a toad since there is currently no way to find the presence of the toxin. If your pet is distressed and drooling but you have not seen him near a toad, look at his gums: if they are red and inflamed, toad toxicity is likely. Toad venom is irritating and corrosive and the first sign of poisoning in your pet is excessive, often frothy, salivation. Pets will also shake their heads vigorously, retch, paw at their mouths or rub their muzzles on the floor in an attempt to ease the pain. Cats often vomit, show hind-quarter weakness and may exhibit a fixed trance-like stare. Symptoms shown by dogs may include depression, weakness, laboured breathing, vomiting (which may persist for several hours), diarrhoea, high temperature (fever) and collapse. Dogs will also usually suffer from convulsions or seizures, which are often fatal unless urgent veterinary care is given. The poison can also affect the hearts of dogs and cats, causing immediate cardiac arrest.
Immediate first-aid involves removing all traces of the toxin from the teeth and gums of the pet by flushing the mouth out with copious amounts of water. A jet of water from a hose directed forward out of the pet's mouth and not down into the throat, is effective. Rubbing the teeth, gums and tongue with a soft rag will also help to remove the toxin.
Be careful of getting bitten if your dog is convulsing whilst doing this. A concentrated salt solution administered to the pet may help in inducing vomiting to remove ingested poison; and charcoal tablets will help to coat the lining of the stomach, thereby reducing the absorption of the toxin into the system. Even if no further symptoms develop, it is best to get your pet immediately examined by your veterinarian. Since dogs are hunters by nature, it is difficult to keep them from actively seeking toads. Toads are nocturnal, so keep your pets indoors at night if possible, taking them outdoors only on a leash. If this is not an option, keep your garden toad-free by draining toad-friendly waterlogged areas; pick up un-eaten dog food and dispose of your waste properly. Do not throw salt on toads: this blisters the skin and is extremely painful and cruel. Place some bells on your pet's collar so you know where he is at night and can respond immediately to any suspiciously-active jingling; and train your pets to leave toads alone.
Symptoms
These are some of the signs that your pet has been poisoned by toad venom. Components of bufotoxin are toxic.
Immediate veterinary care is essential.
Drooling, frothy saliva
Red, inflamed gums
Pets shake their heads
Pawing at the mouth
Retching/Vomitting
Cats show hind-quarter weakness and may go into a trance-like state
Depression
Weakness
Diarrhoea
High temperature
Seizures
Cardiac arrest
First AD
Remove toxins from teeth and gums
Flush mouth out with water
Rub teeth, gums with damp rag
Induce vomitting by administering a salt solution
Charcoal tablets