Toad Intoxication in the Dog by Rhinella marina: The Clinical Syndrome and Current Treatment Recommendations

ABSTRACT Oral exposure to the secretions of Rhinella marina (formerly Bufo marinus) can carry a high fatality rate without early and appropriate treatment. In dogs, the clinical syndrome, which is evident almost immediately, manifests in profuse ptyalism along with gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurologic signs. Severe cardiac arrhythmias develop less frequently. This review will cover the history, toxicology, and clinical syndrome of Rhinella marina intoxication, and will discuss the recommended therapies for stabilization.

TRITRICHOMONAS BATRACHORUM PERTY FROM SOME COLOMBIAN TOADS

The Colombian toads Bufo marinus, B. typhonius ockerdeni, B. guttatus and B. blombergi were infested with Tritrichomonas batrachorum. Samples of feces obtained directly from live toads and cultures made of the flagellates. Uninfected B. marinus were kept with individuals of B. typhonius ockerdeni harbouring small T. batrachorum. After 42 days all B. marinus were infested with T. batrachorum of the large strain, originally isolated from that host species. Ingestion of trophozoites and cysts is considered to be the normal route of entry. The trichomonads fit the original description of T. batrachorum and the difference in size is considered to be due to host adaptation. T. batrachorum has not yet been recorded for Colombia, and all toads except B. marinus are new hosts.