American Toad Loses Arm: Patient 23-2192

Amphibian patients are a rarity for our center, so it’s always a treat when one arrives at our center. This poor American Toad had a rude awakening from brumation.

What is Brumation?

Brumation in reptiles and amphibians is similar to hibernation in mammals. Toads will hide under logs or in leaf litter, or will dig underground burrows below the frost line and remain underground through the Winter. So, why is patient 23-2192 awake?

A Tragic Gardening Accident

Patient 23-2192 was brumating in a garden in Mount Wolf in early December, when a shovel plunged into the dirt and attacked her. To the homeowner, they were just performing regular maintenance, but the accident cost the toad one of her front legs. As soon as the homeowner, Christine, realized what had happened she called us right away to find help for the toad.

Gardening accidents like these are unfortunate, but not uncommon for amphibians. In order to survive the Winter, they must bury themselves underground below the frost line-which means they can often fall victim to shovels or other gardening equipment.

Lucky for this toad, the shovel missed her body and back legs, so despite her amputation, she should be able to return to the wild come Spring. Until then, she’ll be kept awake and fed as we treat her wound. She’s on a pain medication and receives daily wound care—her arm is looking better already!