The cane toad, an invasive species, is known for its potent defense mechanism. This amphibian secretes a powerful toxin from glands when threatened. Understanding the toxin’s effects and knowing what to do in case of exposure is important for safety, especially where cane toads are established. This knowledge helps protect pets and people from harm.
The Nature of Cane Toad Toxin
The cane toad’s defense mechanism involves bufotoxin, a complex mixture of compounds. This milky, sticky substance is primarily released from large glands located behind the toad’s eyes, called parotoid glands. When threatened, these glands expel the toxin, which can then contact animals or people.
Bufotoxin contains bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides), along with serotonin and adrenaline. These chemicals produce the toxin’s potent effects. The secretion is typically a white or yellowish, viscous fluid, designed to deter predators.
Impact on Pets and People
Cane toad toxin exposure can have significant effects on pets and humans, with symptoms appearing rapidly. For dogs and cats, contact with the toxin, usually through licking or biting a toad, quickly leads to excessive drooling or frothing. Pets may also paw at their mouth, shake their head, or vocalize from irritation. As the toxin absorbs through mouth membranes, more severe symptoms can develop, including vomiting, disorientation, stumbling, and circling. Neurological signs like tremors, muscle rigidity, and seizures are common.
The toxin can also affect the cardiovascular system, leading to rapid or irregular heart rates, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. For humans, direct contact can cause skin irritation, redness, and swelling. If the toxin gets into the eyes, it can cause pain, irritation, and temporary visual disturbances. Swallowing the toxin, though rare, can lead to systemic effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and chest pain. Ingested toxin can affect heart function, blood pressure, and breathing, requiring immediate medical attention.
Immediate Actions and Treatment
Prompt action is crucial if a pet or person contacts cane toad toxin. For pets, immediately flush the mouth and face with running water. Angle the pet’s head downwards, directing water out of the mouth, not down the throat, to prevent swallowing. Wiping the gums with a damp cloth also helps remove residual toxin. After initial rinsing, immediate veterinary attention is advised, even if symptoms appear mild.
There is no specific antidote; treatment focuses on decontamination and supportive care to manage symptoms. This may include intravenous fluids and medications to control seizures, correct abnormal heart rates, and manage other systemic effects.
For humans, if toxin gets on skin, remove any contaminated clothing and flood the area with cool running water. Wash skin with soap and water, then rinse well. If the toxin enters the eyes, flush them with water for at least 15 minutes, holding the eyelids open. If the toxin is swallowed, clean the mouth with a toothbrush or cloth and seek medical advice, especially if symptoms like vomiting, dizziness, or chest pain develop.
Preventing Exposure
Minimizing cane toad encounters prevents exposure. Bring pet food and water bowls indoors at night to deter toads, as they are attracted to these resources. Keeping pets indoors during evening hours, when toads are most active, reduces contact.
Installing toad-proof fencing around yards is effective. This fencing should be a smooth, solid material at least 50 cm high and secured into the ground to prevent burrowing. Reduce standing water sources, like uncovered swimming pools or puddles, and clear rubbish or debris from the garden to eliminate potential hiding and breeding spots. Educating children about not touching toads is also crucial.