Medical management of dermatitis-associated morbidity and mortality in endangered Houston toads (Anaxyrus houstonensis)

The Houston toad (Anaxyrus [Bufo] houstonensis) is protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and is endemic to east central Texas. Since 2007, the Houston Zoo Inc. participated in Houston toad recovery through captive breeding, re-introduction and maintenance of a captive assurance colony. During 2012 and 2013, the zoo's Houston toad colony experienced increased morbidity and mortality attributed to dermatitis of various aetiologies. An 8-month time period, from September 2012 through April 2013, was selected to evaluate disease aetiology, treatments administered and success of therapy. A total of 248 toad records were reviewed. During this time, 52 toads that died with dermatitis associated with a fungal or bacterial aetiology or a combination of both were included in the review. Toads that survived (n = 196) had been treated with either oral enrofloxacin (10 mg/kg PO SID), itraconazole baths (0.01% solution for 10-15 minutes SID), enhanced nutrition or a combination of these therapies.