- Admitted
- October 29, 2023
- Released
- May 3, 2024
- Rescue Location
- Augusta County, Virginia
- Cause of Admission/Condition
- Undetermined
- Status
- Former Patient
Last Updated Jump to patient updates
On October 28, a local resident discovered an Eastern American Toad on her porch with bleeding lacerations on its back. The resident contained the toad, rinsed its wounds with distilled water, and made sure to keep it moist overnight. The next day, they brought the toad to the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
Dr. Emma, a veterinary intern at the Center, performed the intake exam for the toad and found several open wounds on its back. The rest of the exam was otherwise normal. Dr. Emma and her team administered antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to prevent infection and inflammation.
The next day, the veterinary team anesthetized the toad and surgically closed the wounds with absorbable sutures. Throughout the surgery, they monitored the toad’s heart rate using a Doppler machine and also monitored its respiration. The toad maintained a consistent heart and respiratory rate throughout the surgery and recovered uneventfully from anesthesia.
During the past week, veterinary staff reported that the incisions are healing well. This toad is currently receiving antibiotics to treat its wounds, as well as daily monitoring. If it fully recovers from its injuries, it will need to overwinter at the Center until spring, when conditions are warm enough for release. In the meantime, it will continue to receive misting multiple times a day and daily feedings of mealworms.
Patient Updates
Throughout the winter, the toad remained in care, steadily healing while continuing to eat well. As temperatures warmed in early May, the veterinary team determined it was ready for release. With a final check-up confirming its full recovery, the toad was returned to the wild—ready to settle back into its natural habitat.