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.