Stay one jump ahead of the cane toad menace

March 1, 2011 - PRLog -- February XX, 2011 – draft
Stay one jump ahead of the cane toad menace
Recent heavy rains have flushed out an increased cane toad risk for pets meaning owners need to stay one jump ahead of the toxic amphibians to protect their pooches, a vet has warned.
Dr Mark Perissinotto, Managing Director of VetShopAustralia.com.au, said a bumper wet season meant cane toad numbers were expected to bloom, prompting a prolonged danger period for curious canines.
“Cane toads, which have poison glands in their neck area, can have a devastating effect on the family pet,’’ Dr Perissinotto said.
“When a dog picks up a toad in its mouth toxins are rapidly absorbed into its body, causing excessive drooling and frothing which can progress to muscle tremors, seizures and ultimately cardiac arrest,’’ he said.
According to www.vetshopaustralia.com.au dogs most at risk of dangerous encounters with toads included terriers, border collies, kelpies and healers due to their predatory instincts.
Playful puppies can also find the lure of a hopping toad too tempting to ignore.
Though usually too cautious to be at major risk, cats were also known to suffer cane toad poisoning.
Dr Perissinotto said there was a number of steps owners could take to minimise their pet’s chances of poisoning including keeping them indoors at night when the toads were most active.
“Dogs that have an interest in cane toads should only be allowed outside at night on a lead,’’ he said.
Teaching dogs not to attack toads through reward-based training is another important preventative measure.
Dr Perissinotto said some pet owners found attaching bells to their dog’s collar to be a useful tool, allowing them to hear if their pet was up to mischief in the backyard.
www.vetshopaustralia.com.au recommends the following first aid measures for owners who suspect their pet may have been in contact with a cane toad.
1.   Have somebody contact the vet to notify them of the cane toad incident
2.   Wipe the inside of the pet’s mouth with a paper towel
3.   Flush out the animal’s mouth with a slow running hose for approximately 10-15 minutes, inserting hose near the back teeth and allowing the water to drain out the front of the mouth.
4.   Gently wipe mouth and tongue area with wet cloth, rinsing cloth regularly.
5.   Keep pet calm and confined in a cool place and monitor carefully.
6.   If symptoms worsen, transport immediately to vet.
ENDS

Further inquiries: Dr Mark Perissinotto BVSc:  07 5453 4840

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