This large toad is called Rhinella marina (formerly Bufo marinus). More commonly this toad is called Marine, Giant, Bufo or Cane toad. The Bufo toad is an non-native species that lives here in the Florida Keys and is mostly a nocturnal animal. If the toad feels threatened it secretes a poison from glands that rest behind the eyes and ears. This poisons can kill your pet quickly if it is ingested.

For your pet’s safety it is important to understand what the toad looks like and what to do if your pet becomes affected by one.

Bufo toads range from 6 to 9 inches but may be larger (typically the size of a soft ball). They have brown to brownish-grey warty skin with a yellow stomach.

When threathened or mouthed by a larger animal, the toad secretes a milky poison for the parotid gland which sits behind their eyes. The smaller the animal that comes in contact with the toads poison the worse the affects.

Signs that your pet has come into contact with this poison are:

• Excessive Salivation (drooling and foaming)
• Color of gums and tongue become darker red (brick red)
• Pawing at mouth
• Walking differently or loss of coordination
• Difficulty breathing
• Crying
• Poison can rapidly produce seizures and death

What you should do if you suspect Bufo toad contact:

• Remain calm
• Immediately rinse out your pets mouth with water, using a hose or kitchen spray hose. Lower your pets head downward so that the water is running out of the mouth and draining out. Rinse from side to side of your pets mouth. Try to prevent your pet from swallowing the water. The goal is to get the poison out of the mouth without getting any more into the digestive tract. This is to minimize the amount of poison ingested by your pet.
• After you rinse your pets mouth out, call us to let us know that you are coming. Carefully transport your pet to our hospital. The quicker you get veterinary assistance the greater the chance that your pet will survive.

Bufo Toad prevention:

• Leaving pet food out in bowls outside will attract Bufo toads.To minimize the liklihood of one coming to live on your property, remove all pet food from outside.
• Take note of what your pet’s normal gum and tongue color is. This will help you in case of an emergency.
• If you let your pets out after dark or in the early morning hours it is advised that you monitor them and their activities.
• Have our number in your phone or on your speed dial. We have a nurse available and a doctor on call to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (305) 743-7099
• Know what they sound like. The Bufo toad call sounds like a diesel tractor that is puttering far away. Link to call sound : http://www.wec.ufl.edu/extension/wildlife_info/frogstoads/wav/giant_taod.wav

Here at Marathon Veterinary hospital we believe that freezing a Bufo toad is an inhumane action. Bufo toads are capable of feeling pain. If you have a Bufo toad we urge you to explore all options for toad removal and consider humane euthanasia.

Laura Beck, LVT
Marathon Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Kelly Maxwell was born in upstate New York.  She attended Boston University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 2002.  She earned a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University in 2009.  While at NCSU, she was on the Dean’s Honor Roll and was inducted into the Society of Phi Zeta based on academic performance.  She has a special interest in exotic animal medicine and completed elective courses in Avian Anatomy, Surgical Pathology, Exotic Animal Pathology, Raptor and Wild Avian Medicine, and Zoological Medicine.  Following graduation, she completed a one year internship in Emergency Medicine and then began working at a small animal hospital in northern Florida. She moved to Marathon with her dog, Cody, and her two cats, Squints and Fenway. She is very excited to be a part of the Marathon Veterinary Hospital team.