A retrospective study of the treatment of toad poisoning in dogs in Trinidad.

ABSTRACT

A retrospective study of 143 cases of dogs poisoned by toads in Trinidad revealed that for the 81 cases for which the clinical signs were recorded, cardiac toxicity may have been missed due to the aggressive use of atropine therapy and/or lack of equipment. The most common clinical signs were hypersalivation and vomiting (31 reports) and convulsive seizures (14) - each ascribed to the effects of certain components present in the toad's glandular secretions (producing irritation and neurotoxicity); and hyperthermia (11). For 42 cases, treatment records indicated that atropine was the favoured pharmacological intervention (30 instances), followed by corticosteroids (20), antibiotics (19), benzodiazepines (15) and fluid therapy (14). These treatment strategies, based on symptomatic support, seemed to be successful even though they appeared to lack coherence. Of the 90 cases for which outcome data were available, 85 dogs recovered fully and 5 died. Early attention to cardiac abnormalities, using electrocardiograms, is required especially in severe cases. The use of propranolol is also warranted in these cases. The standard management of toad poisoning must also include decontamination of the gastrointestinal tract involving the washing of the mouth and the use of adsorbents. The usefulness of corticosteroids and antibiotic therapies should be re-examined.