MEDICAL TREATMENT

For Poisonous Frogs unlikely to cause significant poisoning if the toxins are innoculated or ingested

While poisoning following ingestion of some poisonous frogs can potentially result in severe systemic effects, in most cases focussed on the cardiovascular dysfunction or paralysis induced by the cardiotoxic and/or neurotoxic toxins in the frog skin, current evidence indicates significant poisoning is not likely following exposure to this species. The following information is therefore of doubtful applicability to this species, but is included for completeness.

For some other species of frogs/toads which produce significant amounts of potent toxins, death can occur, particularly after oral ingestion of Bufo toad toxins (as may be found in some herbal, especially Chinese aphrodisiacs or Chinese herbal teas). There are no antivenoms or direct antidotes to treat this type of poisoning. However, at least for some species, whose toxins have a digitalis type activity (eg Bufo toad toxins), it is possible to use anti-digitalis medications (digibind etc) to neutralise circulating toxins. It may also be possible to reduce circulating toxin load in severe cases by haemoperfusion. Apart from such specific measures, treatment is directed to support of cardiorespiratory function and in selected cases, use of medication to counteract cardiotoxic activity. The potential seriousness of cases should not be forgotten; fatalities can and do occur, at least with Bufo toxin ingestion. In addition to cardiorespiratory support, it may be necessary to counteract protracted vomiting and/or diarrhoea in some cases, both pharmacologically and through IV fluid replacement, where losses are high. There is no published experience with poison dart frog skin secretion poisoning. It is not likely anti-digitalis medications (digibind etc) would be useful.