AboutJana Connell RVT, CVT Expertise I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I cannot diagnose diseases nor will I try to. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I DO NOT do birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I also do not know much about reptiles, so post those to the reptile experts also. Thanks!
Experience I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a nutritional consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
Organizations Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Question My 4 month old black lab has been foaming at the mouth, breathing heavily, had one small seizure, staggers like a drunk person, has had very panicky & abnormal behavior and just recently when you talk to her she seems like she can't see you, like you are in the opposite direction of where you actually are when talking to her. She won't allow me to touch her at all. I had her into the vet a week ago and he told me that she would get over it & that there was nothing medical that he could do for her. He told me to just find the frog & get rid of it. I have had her confided to the garage & the house for 2 days now. She seems slightly better but still refuses for me to touch her and also the sight thing is still a problem. I called the vet again today & still they didn't have an answer for me & said they would have someone call me later today.
Is there anything I can do besides confining her & giving her lots & lots of water. Please help!
Answer I don't know where you live Bekah but frog poisoning is pretty common since dogs can be such 'bite first, think later' creatures.
Here is an article I found on it: http://itjustdawnedonme.com/?p=194
Bufo toads (Bufo Marinus) were introduced into Florida years ago to control insects. They reproduce very efficiently and have become endemic in South Florida.
The Bufo or Cane toad produces toxins from the parotid glands located behind the head. The toxins contain high concentrations of hormones such as adrenalin and others such as bufotoxins. The toxins affect two major organ systems: the cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) and the nervous system (brain).
Signs of Toxicity
Due to the slow and awkward movement of the Bufo toad, dogs readily will attack them. When attacked, the toads release the toxins and dogs become affected. Common signs of intoxication include the following: foaming from the mouth, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, stumbling, falling, tremors, rigid legs, and seizures.
Treatment
If your dog is exhibiting signs of toxicity, is conscious, and not seizuring then:
* Rinse the mouth with running water: place a garden hose or faucet along the side of the mouth and run the water.
* Rinse the mouth for 3 to 5 minutes at a time for a total of 3 times.
IMPORTANT:
Do not force water down your pet’s mouth or try to make your pet swallow.
Do not give any oil, milk, or other substance besides water.
IF YOUR PET IS SEIZURING, HAVING TREMORS, CANNOT STAND THEN SEEK VETERINARY ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY!!
Since he seems to be better, then not better, you better look for more toads around your house.
According to this article it will pass, but if he is in dire need as it states, then get him back into the vet's or find one that will give him something.
That is about all I can find on them. The other information says the same thing.
Even the Merck Manual has no other information. They all say there is no antidote and that the cardiac (heart) and CNS problems are the more serious ones. That would be the blindness and other issues of not wanting to be touched. Her chances are good that she will recover since she is doing better. Take any food bowls in the yard up and don't put any food out to attract the toads.
That is about all I have.
