Yes really. Most pet owners know about chocolate, tylenol, and grapes. But few know about the California staple, the lovely, yummy, green avocado.
Avocados are commonly sources of consternation to veterinarians and pet owners alike. First of all, they are packed with calories. One medium avocado is about 250 calories. For a dog…that’s a lot. Also, they really are the pits. In thirteen + years as a veterinarian, I’ve removed about a half dozen pits, lodged in the intestines. They can be hard to see on a radiograph (x-ray). But there is also the toxic issue.
Avocados contain a chemical called persin (a toxic fatty acid). It is found in heaviest concentration in the bark, leaves (leaves most toxic), and seeds (pits). Mexican and Guatemalan varieties can vary in the amount of persin (Guatemalan is more toxic). It can also vary based on time of the year. The chemical causes different symptoms in different species. It tends to damage mammary tissue and heart muscle cells. There is evidence that lactation might reduce or prevent the heart damage. Symptoms generally start between 24 – 48hours. In cattle it causes milk production problems due to mastitis (inflammation of mammary tissue). Goats, rodents, and rabbits have it worse, with mastitis, dyspnea (trouble breathing), fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion), arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm), and death. Birds have symptoms similar to goats (except no mastitis as birds lack mammary tissue). Avocados can be devastating to pet birds and rodents. In horses, it causes colic and mastitis, and an upset stomach (gastritis). Dogs and cats have it easier, as the main symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, although myocardial disease has been noted in some studies.
Pet foods made with avocado meal has only the fleshy part, which is safe (but not low calorie).
If your pet ingests avocado (especially a seed if a dog, and leaves if a rodent, rabbit, or bird) please call right away.