Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cane toad poisoning signs and treatment in 190 cats in Queensland
By O. S. Leong et al.·Published in Australian Veterinary Journal·2023·View original on Semantic Scholar →
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Original publication title: A retrospective study of cane toad (Rhinella marina) toxicity in 190 domestic cats in Southeastern Queensland: Clinical presentations, treatments, and outcomes.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A domestic cat in Southeastern Queensland was brought to the vet after showing signs of cane toad toxicity, which is common in the area, especially during warmer months. The cat had excessive drooling (hypersalivation), rapid breathing (tachypnoea), and some changes in behavior. Fortunately, after a treatment called buccal lavage, which helps remove toxins, the cat recovered well. Out of 190 cases studied, nearly all cats survived, with only one needing to be euthanized.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the clinical presentations, treatments and outcomes of toad toxicity in domestic cats in Southeastern Queensland, Australia. METHODS This report describes a retrospective study of 190 cases of cane toad (Rhinella marina) toxicity in cats in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. All cases were presented for veterinary treatment between 2011 and 2020 at four specialist veterinary emergency centres in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Cane toad toxicity was diagnosed based on a history of exposure and clinical signs. RESULTS Domestic short-hair breeds accounted for 53.6% of the cases. Presentation was seasonal with the highest incidence over the warmer months of the year (November - March). Hypersalivation was described in 96.3% (183/190), tachypnoea in 34.2% (65/190) and altered behaviour in 18.4% (35/190) of cases. Seizures occurred in 1% of cases. Of the 190 cases, 6.3% (12/190) were hospitalised and 0.5% (1/190) were euthanised and overall 99.5% (189/190) survived hospital discharge. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Cane toad toxicity is relatively common in cats in Southeast Queensland and following buccal lavage the prognosis for recovery was excellent.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Semantic Scholar: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/36967588