Avacado Pit

[Emma]

Hello, DB is an eight month old flyer. My mom was squirrel sitting for two days and left some avacado pits :shakehead on the window sill. DB stole one and I think he hid it somewhere, but we can't find it. She said she found little pieces of the pit laying around so he definitely chewed/ate at least some of it. She said this happened Saturday night, but when I picked him up Sunday night he was perfectly fine and is still acting normal this morning. He ate all of his food last night and was playing as normal, flying, spinning, etc. Wondering if reaction to the pit would be delayed or if we are in the clear.

Thank you!

[island rehabber]

hi Emma. I know that pits are generally said to be toxic to animals, and Wikipedia's account does mention rats, which is close enough:
Toxicity to animals

Avocado leaves, bark (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bark), skin, or pit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocarp) are documented to be harmful to animals; cats, dogs, cattle, goats, rabbits, rats, birds, fish, and horses[20] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado#cite_note-kgkat.tripod.com-19)[33] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado#cite_note-32) can be severely harmed or even killed when they consume them. The avocado fruit is poisonous to some birds, and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Society_for_the_Prevention_of_Cruelty_to_ Animals) (ASPCA) lists it as toxic to many animals including cats, dogs, and horses.[34] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado#cite_note-33) Avocado is an ingredient in AvoDerm dog food[35] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado#cite_note-34) and cat food.[36] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado#cite_note-35) However, the ASPCA has declined to say whether this food is safe or not.
Avocado leaves contain a toxic fatty acid derivative, persin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persin), which in sufficient quantity can cause equine colic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_colic) and, without veterinary treatment, death.[37] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avocado#cite_note-pmid8581318-36) The symptoms include gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, respiratory distress, congestion, fluid accumulation around the tissues of the heart, and even death. Birds also seem to be particularly sensitive to this toxic compound. Feeding avocados or guacamole to any nonhuman animal should be avoided completely. Negative effects in humans seem to be primarily in allergic individuals.


I would encourage your boy to drink fluids today as much as you can -- flavored Pedialyte or even just plain water if he will take it. Chances are he didn't ingest enough of that pit to be harmed, but why take chances? Thankfully, many squirrels enjoy shredding parts of things but don't necessarily eat them. Keep a sharp eye on him throughout the day....