تسمم ضفدع القصب (البوفو)

Overview

Cane toad toxicosis follows contact with the skin secretions of toads such as Rhinella marina. The bufadienolide toxins act like cardiac glycosides and irritate mucous membranes.

Causes

Licking, mouthing, or biting a toad, common in dogs in tropical and subtropical regions. Smaller native toads cause milder signs.

Signs

Immediate profuse drooling, head shaking, bright red gums, and pawing at the mouth, progressing in serious cases to vomiting, disorientation, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and collapse.

Diagnosis

History of toad contact with the characteristic oral irritation and, in severe cases, arrhythmias on examination.

Treatment & Management

Immediately rinse the mouth forward with running water for several minutes, then provide cardiac and seizure control, temperature management, and supportive care. Prompt mouth rinsing greatly improves outcomes.

Prevention

Supervise pets outdoors at dawn, dusk, and after rain when toads are active, and remove toads from yards.