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Just a harmless toad?
Known as the Sonoran Desert Toad or The Colorado River Toad, Bufo
alvarius is yet
another one of our desert inhabitants that belongs on our dog’s
“Leave ‘em alone list”.
Like any other toad our
friend Bufo alvarius secretes mucus that is toxic.
The problem with Bufo
alvarius is that his secretion is
toxic.
In fact, canine encounters with Bufo
alvarius can result in anything from a temporary paralysis
to even death. Range and
Habitat
Bufo alvarius can be
found
in the northern Mexico through southern Arizona and New Mexico, and the
southeast corner of California (Stebbins 1985, Robinson 2001). Bufo is most often found in a range from sea-level to
1600 m (5300 ft) and seems to prefer a variety of desert and semi-arid
habitats such as: ·
Brushy desert with creosote bush and mesquite washes, ·
Semi-arid grasslands and woodlands. ·
Large, semi-permanent streams but occasionally found near
small springs, ·
Temporary rain pools, ·
Canals and irrigation ditches. ·
Chooses rodent burrows for homes Symptoms
Exposure generally occurs orally
however exposure can occur through any open wound. The symptoms of exposure generally include:
First Aid
If your dog is unfortunate enough to have an
encounter with bufo,
immediately flush the mouth, eyes and nose with
water and get your dog to the vet.
Once at your vet’s office he or she will generally begin
treatment with activated charcoal and follow up with a complete rinse of
the dog’s oral cavity. Additionally
your vet may decide to use an EKG to monitor your dog’s heart activity
and treat heart rhythm abnormalities with Propranolol.
IV fluids may also be given to ensure the dog is hydrated and Atropine
may be given to help control drooling if no heart abnormalities are
presen
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