VENOMOUS!
This amphibian's skin
secretes batrachotoxin,
an extremely potent
cardio- and neurotoxic
steroidal alkaloid. It
is very poisonous and
deadly if ingested or
enters the bloodstream!
Ingestion may cause
repeated vomiting,
abdominal pain, and
sometimes diarrhoea
and/or collapse. There
is potentially
significant fluid loss
from the gut. In about
an hour, the cardiotoxic
effects of the
bufotoxins will become
apparent, with fast or
slow pulse, low blood
pressure, then heart
arrhythmias, which can
be associated with high
circulating potassium
levels. Death may
rapidly ensue. All cases
should be treated as
urgent and potentially
lethal. There is
no known antidote! |