WAYNESBORO, VA (Wildlife Center of Virginia) — On January 17, the Wildlife Center of Virginia admitted an Eastern American Toad after it was accidentally struck with a shovel in Albemarle County. The toad’s rescuer quickly realized the small amphibian was injured and immediately transported him to the Center for care.
Eastern American Toads are common throughout Virginia and are often found in backyards, gardens, and wooded areas. Though small and unassuming, these amphibians play an important ecological role by consuming large numbers of insects. During the colder months, toads enter a state of brumation—similar to hibernation—burying themselves beneath soil or leaf litter until temperatures warm in the spring.
Upon admission, the veterinary team examined the toad and discovered a laceration along the underside of his left jaw. Radiographs did not reveal any fractures or additional injuries. That same day, veterinary intern Dr. Zack sedated the toad for surgery, carefully flushed the wound, and sutured it closed.
“The wound wasn’t very big to us, but for such a small toad, it was a fairly significant injury,” said Dr. Zack. “The hardest part about operating on an animal this small is making sure you’re not damaging anything else in the process. When placing sutures, I had to be extremely careful.”…