Toad Skins
There are several types of toxic substances found in toads, including cardioactive agents, catecholamines,
indolealkylamines and non-cardiac sterols. These toxins are located in the skin and parotid glands and may be
transferred by handling or ingesting a toad's skin.
- Secretions of the toad parotid glands will cause pain and severe irritation when placed in eyes, nose, and
throat.
- Dogs who have been poisoned with bufagins develop ventricular fibrillation and symptoms resembling
digitalis poisoning. Vasoconstriction may also be seen.
- Dyspnea and weakened respirations may be seen.
- Paralysis and seizures have been reported in both humans and animals. Many bufagins have local anesthetic
actions, especially on the oral mucosa.
- Salivation and vomiting were often seen in animals. These toxins may cause numbness of the oral mucosa if
ingested.
- Cyanosis has been seen in poisoned dogs.
- Drug users have been known to smoke the chopped skins of toads for their hallucinogenic effect.
- The skin of one toad is sufficient to cause significant symptoms and even death in both animals and humans.