Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cane toad poisoning signs and treatment in 190 cats in Queensland
By Leong, O S et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2023·Animal Emergency Service, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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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 group of 190 domestic cats in Southeastern Queensland showed signs of cane toad toxicity, with symptoms like excessive drooling (hypersalivation), rapid breathing (tachypnoea), and changes in behavior. Most cases occurred during the warmer months, and while seizures were rare, some cats required hospitalization. Fortunately, nearly all the cats (99.5%) recovered after treatment, which included a procedure to clear the toxin from their mouths. Only one cat was euthanized due to severe complications.
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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 PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36967588/