JULY 8, 2015
Influx of toxic toads during monsoon season triggers health risks for pets
Tips on what to do if your pet becomes poisoned
From July 15 through September 30, the monsoon season means heavy rains, which tend to bring an influx of toads and frogs into the Phoenix area. While they may seem like a seasonal annoyance, many of these toads are toxic and exposure to them – if not treated immediately – can be lethal to family pets, according to Dr. Billy Griswold, director of medical management at Emergency Animal Clinic (EAC), which has five hospitals throughout the Phoenix metro area.
A study by Veterinary Pet Insurance found that toad poisoning is one of the 10 most common sources of pet poisoning, resulting in hundreds of cases – mostly involving dogs – every year. Body cooling measures and other symptomatic therapy, including continued mouth decontamination are critical. Hyperthermia, which can lead to heatstroke, is a secondary complication of toad toxicity and can be lethal.
What should pet parents do if they suspect their pet has come into contact with a toxic toad? Dr. Griswold offers the following advice:
Immediately flush your pet’s mouth with water. Do this for 10-15 minutes to prevent further absorption of the venom and rinse from back to front with your pet’s head tilted down to avoid choking. Cats tend to bat toads around, so be sure to wash their feet before they have a chance to groom themselves.
Remember that contact doesn’t have to be direct. A toad perching on your pet’s water dish can leave behind trace levels of toxin strong enough to endanger your four-legged friend. During the monsoon season, don’t leave your pet’s food or water bowls outside where toads can climb in.
Consult your veterinarian. If you suspect your pet is suffering from toad poisoning, consult your veterinarian immediately or bring them to the closest emergency animal hospital or clinic. There is no antidote to the toad’s poison and even low doses can prove fatal without proper treatment.
For more information about toad toxicity – including signs and symptoms to be aware of – or to schedule an interview with Dr. Griswold of EAC, please contact Shannon Stevens at 631.569.2285 or [email protected].
JULY 8, 2015
Triple R Horse Rescue’s Hope for Horses Gala to benefit horses, burros in need
CAVE CREEK – Every year, hundreds of horses and burros from around the country find themselves in need of forever homes. That is why Triple R Horse Rescue, a 501(c) 3 organization that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes horses surrendered to its care, will host the third annual Hope for Horses Gala on Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Carefree Resort and Conference Center in Carefree, Arizona. The fund-raiser helps focus the community on the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of the horses in its care.
According to Ken Bacher, president of Triple R Horse Rescue, the 2015 event will feature Mary Hoffman, a popular Mesa, Ariz.-based singer songwriter, as entertainment for the event. Hoffman, winner of the Arizona State University (ASU) Idol competition in 2004 is a country music aficionado. In addition, Robert J. Leary, the volunteer head coach and founder for ASU’s western equestrian team, will serve as master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the event.
This year’s event also will feature dinner, silent and live auction items, live western entertainment and surprise announcements. Several sponsorship opportunities are available to support the event. Information is available on the website at www.triplerhorserescueaz.com by clicking on the Hope for Horses logo which leads to the sponsorship icon. For more information, contact Ken Schafer at 610.637.2241.
Interested donors can submit auction items for the event to Terilynn Meeker at 602.999.0794 or email [email protected]. For information about the fund-raiser, call Courtney Olson at 480.532.1991. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at www.triplerhorserescueaz.com or via email to [email protected].
