Page 19 - Boca Exposure - February '24
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Boca Exposure, Page 19
      You And Your Pet: Bufo Toad Toxicity (Cane Toad)




      By Dr. Bridget Dermott, DVM, CCRT, Calusa Veterinary   is on the surface of                          imbalance and drunkenness. Patients will often stagger
      Center, 6900 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, FL 33487,    the toad gets into                            or fall over when trying to walk. Most dogs with seizures
      (561) 999-3000, www.CVCBocacom                     the mouth of the                                  from toads often look stiff. The eyes will often move
         Toad poisoning occurs when a dog is exposed to toxins   predator animal (in                       back and forth horizontally in a rapid pattern. There will
      secreted by certain species of toads. In the United States,   this case a dog).                      often be excessive drooling from the mouth and a dead
      exposure to most toads causes only mild signs with licking   This toxin is rapidly                   giveaway that a dog got into a toad is that their gums
      or ingesting most toads resulting in drooling, vomiting   absorbed into the                          will be very red instead of the usual pink.
      and oral irritation.                               bloodstream via the                                  The first step is obvious: Separate dog and toad
         Two species of toads in the United States can cause   mucous membranes                            right away. Get your dog inside and get a damp towel,
      severe poisoning, one of which being the cane toad, aka   (gums and tongue) and causes illness or toxicosis.   or damp clean rag, and use this to wipe the gums.
      Bufo toad. Licking or ingesting one of these toads can      Bufo toad toxins attack two main body systems, the   This will physically remove the toxin from the mucous
      cause life-threatening signs. The cane toad is typically   central nervous system, and the cardiovascular system.   membranes. Do not use running water sources to rinse the
      found in Florida, Texas, Hawaii, Louisiana and other   It commonly causes seizures, ataxia, fast heart rate   mouth out as there have been too many cases of drownings
      tropical areas. These toads are very large, between 6 to   and/or  slow  heart  rate. Along  with  harming  these  two   and near-drownings because of this. Once you have wiped
      9 inches long.                                     body systems we also see local irritation of the mucous   the gums get your dog to a veterinarian right away.
         Toads secrete toxic substances through glands on their   membranes, and we see gastrointestinal problems  as      Most cases of toad poisoning in dogs are diagnosed
      skin. These substances are secreted in higher amounts   well  as  vomiting  and  diarrhea.  The  most  common   when a pet has the expected signs and a known or
      when the toad feels threatened. When a larger animal,   presentation for a dog that just got hold of a Bufo toad   suspected exposure to poisonous toads. No specific test
      such as a dog, bites down on a Bufo toad the toxin that   is either seizures or ataxia. Ataxia is dis-coordination,   is available to confirm toad poisoning. Blood work,
                                                                                                           radiographs (x-rays) of the chest or abdomen and ECG
        Navigating the Heart of Wellness: A                                                                may be helpful to determine the severity of poisoning
                                                                                                           and necessary supportive care.
                                                                                                              Further treatment will vary depending upon the signs

        Comprehensive Guide to Cardiovascular                                                              that develop. Intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medications,
                                                                                                           medications to control the heart rate, muscle relaxants,
        Health for Those Over 40                                                                           medications to control seizures and medications to treat
                                                                                                           abnormal heart rhythms may be necessary. Most patients
                                                                                                           will spend at least 12 hours in the hospital until being
                                                                                                           sent home and this, of course, depends on how well they
          In the journey of life, our hearts play a pivotal role in   involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points   recover.
        sustaining our well-being. However, as we age, the risk   on the body. When combined with PEMF, which emits      Prognosis is highly variable and depends on how much
        of cardiovascular issues increases, making it imperative   electromagnetic fields, it can enhance blood circulation   toxin was received by the dog, how sensitive the dog is
        to prioritize heart health, especially for individuals   and promote overall cardiovascular health.  to the toxin, and how long it has been until treatment was
        over 40. This article explores the challenges posed by     Hot Stone Therapy:
        cardiovascular health and offers a holistic approach,     Hot stone therapy involves placing heated stones on   initiated. Overall, Bufo toad toxicity is a very common
        incorporating natural methods and innovative therapies   specific points of the body. The heat promotes relaxation,   emergency problem that is seen and is normally treated
        to promote a robust and resilient heart.        reduces stress, and may improve blood flow.        with great success. That being said, it can be very serious
        Understanding the Cardiovascular Challenge:       The warmth from the stones can alleviate muscle   and life-threatening and should be treated accordingly.
          Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and   tension and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.     Your best bet is to keep close watch of your dog when
        stroke, remain leading causes of mortality worldwide.     Herbal Remedies:                         outside.  Bufo toads are most common at dawn and
        As individuals age, the risk factors associated with these     Certain herbs have been traditionally used to support   dusk and after heavy rains. Areas with lights during the
        conditions tend to escalate. Factors such as sedentary   heart health. These include garlic, hawthorn, turmeric,   night, such as near front doors, are very common places
        lifestyles,  poor  dietary  choices,  stress,  and  genetic   and ginger.                          because they attract bugs. Bodies of water such as lakes
        predispositions  contribute  to  the  deterioration  of     Consult  with  a  healthcare  professional  before   and ponds are also very common places to find heavy
        cardiovascular health.                          incorporating herbal supplements, as they may interact   toad populations since this is where they breed and lay
          Fortunately, the landscape of cardiovascular health   with medications.
        is not bleak, and individuals have the power to shape     Vibroacoustic Therapy:                   their eggs.
        their well-being through proactive measures and lifestyle     Vibroacoustic  therapy  uses  vibrations  and  low-     Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America
        adjustments. It is heartening to know that a multitude   frequency sounds to stimulate various bodily systems,   by calling (800) 213-6680. Additional information can
        of preventive strategies exists, offering a beacon of   including the cardiovascular system.       be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
        hope for those seeking to mitigate the risks associated     Research suggests that it may help reduce stress,
        with cardiovascular issues and cultivate a robust heart.   anxiety, and improve blood circulation, contributing to
        Embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle involves a holistic   better heart health.
        approach,  encompassing  regular  physical  activity,     V6 Intelligent Massage Bed:
        a balanced and nutritious diet, stress management     The V6 Intelligent Massage Bed is designed to provide
        techniques, and adequate sleep. By conscientiously   a comprehensive massage experience. It incorporates
        adopting these practices, individuals can significantly   advanced features such as intelligent pressure-sensing
        reduce the risk factors that contribute to heart diseases,   technology, mild heat and targeted massage techniques.
        paving the way for enhanced cardiovascular health and   Regular use of the V6 Intelligent Massage Bed may help
        an improved quality of life. This empowerment to take   alleviate muscle tension, reduce stress, and contribute to
        charge of one’s heart health underscores the importance   overall cardiovascular well-being.
        of proactive choices, fostering a sense of agency in the   Conclusion:
        pursuit of a heart-healthy and fulfilling life.    Prioritizing cardiovascular health is a lifelong commitment
        Natural Methods for Cardiovascular Health:      that requires a combination of lifestyle changes and
          Regular Exercise:                             innovative therapies. Embracing natural methods such as
          Engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for   regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, stress management,
        maintaining cardiovascular health. Activities like brisk   and quality sleep is fundamental. Additionally, exploring
        walking, swimming, or cycling can help improve circulation,   innovative therapies like acupuncture with PEMF, hot
        lower blood pressure, and manage weight.        stone therapy, herbal remedies, vibroacoustic therapy,
          Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity   and intelligent massage beds can complement traditional
        exercise per week, coupled with strength training exercises.  approaches, offering a holistic approach to cardiovascular
          Heart-Healthy Diet:                           well-being. As we navigate the journey of aging, let us
          Adopting a heart-healthy diet can have a profound   invest in the health of our hearts, ensuring a vibrant and
        impact. Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and   fulfilling life.
        lean proteins while limiting saturated fats, salt, and refined     Dr.  Yaron  Seidman,  a
        sugars.                                         distinguished author with
          Consider  the  Mediterranean  diet,  known  for  its   eight wellness books, public
        cardiovascular benefits, rich in olive oil, nuts, fish, and   speaker, expert herbalist,
        fresh produce.                                  and seasoned acupuncture
          Stress Management:                            practitioner  for  over
          Chronic stress is a known contributor to cardiovascular   three decades, leads the
        issues. Implement stress-reducing techniques such as   innovative  Hunyuan  Life
        meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.  Wellness Spa in Boca Raton.
          Prioritize activities that bring joy and relaxation to your life.  This  all-encompassing
          Adequate Sleep:                               studio harmoniously blends                                        Your ad
          Quality sleep is essential for heart health. Aim for 7-9   cutting-edge technologies
        hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.        with time-honored holistic
          Establish a consistent sleep routine and create a   modalities, providing effective support for cardiovascular
        comfortable sleep environment.                  health. For personalized consultations, contact directly at   could be here!
          Quit Smoking:                                 561-400-6743 or book online at offers.Hunyuan.org using
          Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Seek   code MyHealth10 for an extra 10% discount on health         Call
        support to quit smoking and enjoy the immediate and   programs.
        long-term benefits to your cardiovascular health.
        Innovative Therapies for Cardiovascular Well-being:                                                         561-746-3244
          Acupuncture with PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field):
          Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice,
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