Avocado Poisoning in Horses

With the warm weather of spring finally coming upon us, those who are lucky enough to have avocados also have a quite a hazard on their hands.  The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark are poisonous to horses.  All of these contain Persin which is a cardiac toxin (heart damaging).

Signs and Symptoms

Swelling around the head and eyes is common this can extend around the cheeks and glands this can cause the horse difficult with swallowing.  Although swelling in other areas can also occur such as around the abdomen and sheath.
 
In lactating mares, Persin produces a non-infectious mastitis which is the inflammation of the mammary glands, epithelial necrosis which is the skin cell death over the mammary glands and agalactia which is the decrease in milk production. Occasionally inflammation of the gut and colic may also occur. Part of the heart muscle dies which is called myocardial necrosis.  Your horse could have difficulty breathing called dyspnea, coughing, and increased respiratory and heart rate. It is this damage to your horses heart which causes fluid to build and the swellings to occur.  As the condition deteriorates a bluish colour will tinge your horses lips, this is called cyanosis.  Finally your horse will stop eating, become very weak and will not be able to get up.  

The heart damage may be fatal and the cardiac changes are largely irreversible; therefore, access to avocado groves should be prevented for horses.  If you suspect your horse of eating Avocado trees, contact your vet immediately.

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