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extent of immunity to toxin
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by nietzsche on December 11, 2009
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Does anyone know if it is possible for an animal to have built up a resistance (to a venom or toxin) to the extent that, while it is not immediately life threatening, with repeated exposure permanent damage would eventually result in death? For example, a dog that repeatedly eats Bufo species, but does not seem to be in immediate danger of death: could they develop a permanent arrhythmia or other heart damage?
Thanks
Kelly
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RE: extent of immunity to toxin
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by Crotalus75 on December 11, 2009
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Repeated exposure to a toxin could possibly cause a bit of immunity to build up, but it could also lead to a predisposition for allergic reaction. More often than not, when one observes a species or population that is resistant to a certain venom or poison it is the result of a long term association of that species with the toxic species. i.e. the toxic species provided a selection pressure and the species associated with it evolved in response to exposure to the toxin over many generations. i.e. certain organisms can feed on toxic critters that others cannot or certain organisms can survive the bite of venomous species in its environment better than those that did not evolve along side it.
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RE: extent of immunity to toxin
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by nietzsche on December 11, 2009
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There is not really a long term association in this case. It is not (that I can tell) a classic case of selective pressure. Its more like an aberrant individual! It is a large dog, that repeatedly mouths, chews etc, Senora Desert Toads. He does this all Monsoon Season, when they are active. There is evidently a Digitalis like constituent in the gland secreations of this toad, which can cause arrhythmia and other heart problems. I was wondering if there have been any cases where you have a sort of cumulative effect over time,that would result in eventual life threatening damage, rather than immediate, with continued exposure?
Thank you!
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RE: extent of immunity to toxin
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by nietzsche on December 12, 2009
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It is my cousins dog. I am worried that he is going to have some serious heart or liver damage. Does anyone know of a case where this type of damage happened? I guess maybe he is getting a cheap high, but considering what most dogs do for amusement a substance abuse problem seems unlikely. But who knows....
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RE: extent of immunity to toxin
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by Crotalus75 on December 12, 2009
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A dog has mammalian receptors that are not unlike our own. It's quite possible that he is actually getting a euphoric sensation from these toads. They use rodents in street drug addiction research in the lab, because their receptors that respond to these substances are not unlike our own.
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RE: extent of immunity to toxin
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by nietzsche on December 14, 2009
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I hope Petsmart offers a 12 step program for dogs, or maybe a Toad Patch. What do you think are the chances, or do you know of any case, of heart damage of a cummulative nature?
Thanks
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