Читать книгу Canine and Feline Epilepsy - Luisa De Risio - Страница 195

There are more than 200 species of Bufo toads in the world and they all have parotid glands on their dorsum that release toxic substances when the toad is attacked or threatened. These include bufotoxins and bufagenins, bufotenine, dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin and indolealkylamines. Most small animals do not consume Bufo toads. Toxicosis occurs in animals that masticate or hold the toad instead of just biting and then releasing it. The toxins are rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa and enter the systemic circulation. The toxins can also be absorbed through the gastric mucosa following ingestion, through open skin wounds and across the conjunctiva (Peterson and Roberts, 2006). Toad intoxication has been diagnosed in dogs and cats, however, dogs are more commonly affected (Roberts et al., 2000). Chances of exposure are higher when toads are most active (i.e. in the evening after high rainfall or with high temperatures).