A retrospective study of cane toad (Rhinella marina) toxicity in 190 domestic cats in Southeastern Queensland: Clinical presentations, treatments, and outcomes

Abstract

ObjectiveTo report the clinical presentations, treatments and outcomes of toad toxicity in domestic cats in Southeastern Queensland, Australia.MethodsThis report describes a retrospective study of 190 cases of cane toad (Rhinella marina) toxicity in cats in south‐eastern Queensland, Australia. All cases were presented for veterinary treatment between 2011 and 2020 at four specialist veterinary emergency centres in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Cane toad toxicity was diagnosed based on a history of exposure and clinical signs.ResultsDomestic short‐hair breeds accounted for 53.6% of the cases. Presentation was seasonal with the highest incidence over the warmer months of the year (November – March). Hypersalivation was described in 96.3% (183/190), tachypnoea in 34.2% (65/190) and altered behaviour in 18.4% (35/190) of cases. Seizures occurred in 1% of cases. Of the 190 cases, 6.3% (12/190) were hospitalised and 0.5% (1/190) were euthanised and overall 99.5% (189/190) survived hospital discharge.Clinical significanceCane toad toxicity is relatively common in cats in Southeast Queensland and following buccal lavage the prognosis for recovery was excellent.