Clinical review of Colorado river toad (Incilius alvarius) intoxication in dogs in Arizona: clinical signs, treatments, and outcomes.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Review the clinical syndrome (clinical signs, treatment, and outcomes) of Incilius alvarius intoxication in canines. METHODS: Single-cohort retrospective descriptive study of 208 canines that presented to 4 private practice emergency veterinary hospitals for suspected toad exposure between July 2007 and October 2010. Electronic medical record review was performed on all canine patients presenting with known or suspected I alvarius exposure during the study period to extract data on demographics, clinical signs, interventions, and outcomes. RESULTS: The majority of I alvarius intoxications (174/208 [84%]) took place during summer, with 155 of 208 (75%) taking place during a monsoon. The most common clinical signs were neurologic in 182 of 208 (87.5%) dogs, respiratory in 160 of 208 (76.9%) dogs, and cardiac in 155 of 208 (74.5%) dogs. Prognosis was excellent, with 206 of 208 (99%) dogs surviving to discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Although potentially fatal, I alvarius intoxication usually has an excellent prognosis. The clinical syndrome and treatment are similar to that of Rhinella marina. Supportive care and oral lavage were the mainstays of therapy. Initiating oral lavage as soon as possible is recommended. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first review investigating I alvarius intoxications in veterinary species and can guide approach and management of this condition.