I have purposely kept this topic for the last of my discussions on Emergencies. So many myths have been bandied about on this issue that practically every “sudden” canine death is attributed to a frog “blowing” on the dog. Usually, there is a different cause of ailment and death, but that is another reality. The fact is that all toads and frogs are unsavory to dogs, so dogs naturally keep their distance. I suppose there is some instinctive mechanism or maternal teaching that plays a role that is quite distinct from the experience that a dog would have acquired from physical contact with a frog.
The toxin (poison) is produced by glands on the skin, located prominently on the back of the frog/toad and behind the eyes. The creamy poison is expelled by contracting of the muscles of the glands, so it is not a matter of the frog “blowing” on the dog. Actually, it is a defence mechanism of the frog.
If some curious dog, especially one which might have been orphaned early in life, unwittingly comes into physical contact with a frog or toad; or licks, bites and ingests a frog/toad, the bad taste would immediately precipitate an increased discharge of saliva.
We have frogs here in Guyana that do secrete a potent toxin that affects the heart rate and blood circulation in dogs and cats. Death can occur within minutes.
Cats seem not to continue contact with a poisonous frog/toad once the bad taste is experienced. Perhaps cats have a greater tolerance level to frog’s toxins. But the literature does confirm cases of cats succumbing to frog poisoning.
SYMPTOMS
– Excessive drooling, slobbering or spitting
– Vomiting
– Diarrhoea
– The inside of the animal’s mouth develops a bluish colour (cyanosis)
– Difficulty breathing
– Irregular heartbeats
– Convulsions
The symptom of poisoning is proportional to the toxicity of the poison and the amount that gets into the dog’s circulatory system. The signs would vary from mere hypersalivation (drooling) to convulsion, to absolute stiffening of the muscles (like a board), and then death.
TREATMENT
Since the poison attacks the nervous system, the diaphragm — which is controlled by nerves, and which plays an important role in inhalation and exhalation of air (oxygen) — does not function well, or at all. The animal begins to turn blue from the lack of oxygen. The dog literally is actually suffocating.
Usually, by the time the owner arrives at the vet clinic with the stiff, prostrate, comatose dog, the prognosis for recovery is not good. The vet would try to relax the muscles with a sedative, muscle relaxant, or even with an anesthetic. Of course, one has to be careful; it may be contra-indicated to administer such drugs to a patient who is already in a coma. Worse, once the anesthetic wears off, the animal may relapse into stiffness, causing breathing difficulties to return.
The therapy must nevertheless be directed at reinstating the intake of oxygen through sustained breathing. The vet can give injections to improve breathing.
The most important and helpful thing to do, if you have noted your dog’s excessive salivation arising from contact with a frog via the mouth, is to immediately wash out the dog’s mouth – preferably with running water from a garden hose. You are also advised to wear gloves and protective eyewear and a mask while attending to the animal, in order to protect yourself from direct contact with the toxins.
