Toad Poisoning in Dogs and Cats

1 Symptoms

Toad skin and eggs are toxic. The milky secretion from glands behind the eyes and on the skin acts on the nervous system and the heart. Dogs and cats that mouth a toad drool heavily; the mouth, lips, and any wound that contacts the venom become painful, red, swollen, and may break down or die.

If venom reaches the eye it causes redness, swelling, dulled vision, and in severe cases blindness. Nausea, vomiting, belly pain, and diarrhea follow.

Affected pets become agitated and may cry out. Mucous membranes turn blue (cyanosis) and breathing becomes difficult. The heart rhythm is disturbed — it slows at first, then races — and seizures and collapse can occur. Death results from circulatory failure.

2 Causes and Transmission

Poisoning follows predation or mouthing of toads, or contact with toad eggs, skin secretions, or venom on mucous membranes or open wounds.

The toxic secretion affects the parasympathetic nervous system and the heart muscle directly, producing the drooling, gut, and cardiac signs seen in affected pets.

3 Diagnosis

A history of contact with a toad, together with sudden drooling, mouth irritation, and abnormal heart rhythm, points strongly to toad poisoning.

The veterinarian will examine the heart (often with an electrocardiogram) and overall stability, and will treat life-threatening signs immediately rather than waiting for test results.

4 Treatment

Rinse the mouth and any contaminated skin thoroughly with large amounts of clean water right away, and offer water to drink while monitoring the pet.

Veterinary care focuses on controlling heart-rhythm disturbances, easing drooling, managing seizures, and supporting breathing and circulation. This may include medications that steady the heartbeat, sedatives, oxygen, and fluid therapy.

All treatment must be directed by a veterinarian, because the toxin strongly affects the heart.

5 Prevention

Supervise pets, especially at night and after rain when toads are active, and prevent them from catching or mouthing toads.

Keep yards free of standing water and hiding spots that attract toads, and seek emergency care at once if exposure is suspected.