Toad rage

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

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Click here for a larger image of a Bufo toad.

Poisonous toads have invaded the Bay area, and they are harming a lot of dogs who come in contact with them.

The poisonous Bufo toad was imported from South America into Miami about 10 years ago and has been making its way up the state ever since. This year, they've invaded Hillsborough and Manatee counties.

Elsie Bettencourt's Jack Russel Terrier, Melody, was a victim of the toad.

"It was the most horrifying experience because I knew I was going to lose her," Bettencourt said. "She started to foam at the mouth, big time. Her eyes started to turn glassy, she wasn't responding to her name."

Elsie rushed Melody to an animal emergency room. Doctors hooked up Melody to an IV and an EKG machine. They told Bettencourt that Melody might not make it.

"When I left her that night I really left with a heavy heart because I truly thought I was never going to see her again," Bettencourt said.

Melody did make it, but not every dog does. Bettencourt has a friend whose dog was also poisoned.

"She saw this toad jumping around and then her dog, Ginger, bit the toad," Bettencourt said.

More Information
	Click here for more about Bufu toads and aiding a dog who encounters one.

Ginger didn't survive her encounter.

The toads have large glands behind their head that secrete a toxin that dogs and other small wildlife are extremely sensitive to. The toxin works quickly, and any dog who contacts a toad should be taken to a vet immediately.

Lately, Bufo toad poisonings are coming into veterinarian Hector Encarnacion's clinic almost every day. Recent heavy rains have brought out more of the toads.

"When it's raining a lot, that's when they come out," Encarnacion said. "We're getting about five to six cases a week. And what's happening, people are bringing the animals in and the dogs are foaming, having seizures, they're blind."

Click here for a larger image of a Bufo toad.

A dog's chances of survival can also be increased by flushing out its mouths and massaging its gums with water. The animal's head should be held down so the water falls back out and it doesn't swallow any more of the toxin.

Vets say to ensure dogs' safety, they should always be walked on a leash and never left unattended in a yard or park.

The poisonous Bufo toad can be distinguished from a regular toad by the Bufo's size. It's much larger than other toads, usually about 6 to 9 inches long.

The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Services has some tips for euthanizing the toads humanely.

It suggests buying benzocaine ointment, a common toothache remedy, and spreading a strip of it down the toad's back. That will knock the toad unconscious. Then put the toad in a plastic container and freeze it for at least 24 hours to make sure it dies.