EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE (Phoenix, Arizona) 03 August 07 Watch pets around deadly toads (Sarah J. Boggan)
Pinal County pet owners are being warned about Colorado River toads or “Sonoran Toads” as monsoon rains draw them out in areas throughout the county.
The county’s Animal Care and Control Division said the toads are menaces to pets as they secrete a toxin from their skin that can be fatal to other animals.
“The toxin that is secreted is sticky and with a milky white color,” said Animal Care and Control Director Ruth Stalter. “It contains two substances: a neurotoxin and a cardiotoxin. Both are really dangerous to animals that come in contact with the toads.”
The toads are described as large with a flat, broad head and leathery skin with a dark brown to grayish green color. They usually have pale orange warts that are sparsely located on their skin, large white warts at the corners of their mouths, and large granular glands covering the neck and limbs.
Pet owners will see the following symptoms if their pet has come in contact with a Colorado River toad:
· Extremely dark pink or red gums
· Severe irritation to the eyes and nose, also dilated pupils
·Foaming of the mouth or excessive drooling
·Unsure walking or holding in a “sawhorse” type of stance
·Seizures, paralysis or even death
Stalter said an animal can die within 30 minutes after contact. She added that if an animal comes in contact with a Colorado River toad the following steps can help -- carefully flush their mouth out with water in an outward direction so the animal does not swallow the toxin; then get the animal to a veterinarian immediately.
“The idea is to be vigilant when the monsoons come,” Stalter said. “Make sure you watch your pet when you go for walks. Elevate their water bowls so toads won’t take up residence there and make sure the pets have a safe enclosed area to go and seek relief from the sun.”
Watch pets around deadly toads