The Colorado River toad (Bufo alvarius) produces toxins (bufotoxins) which can cause serious human intoxications. The toxin can be fatal to pets that attempt to eat the toad.
Types of intoxications:
(1) intentional smoking of dried toxin to induce hallucinations ("smoking toad")
(2) accidental oral exposure to the toxin ("toad kissing")
Effects of smoking dried venom:
(1) hallucinations due to the presence of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine
Effects of oral exposure to bufotoxin:
(1) increased salivation with drooling
(2) prolonged seizures
(3) cardiac arrhythmias
(4) cyanosis and dyspnea
(5) transient paresis
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
