PUTATIVE AVOCADO TOXICITY IN 2 DOGS

Two dogs were seen at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Nai robi, Kenya, both having histories of dyspnoea, progressively enlargin g abdomens, anasarca, ascites, pleural and pericardial effusion, and p ulmonary oedema. One of the dogs had a mild neutrophilic leucocytosis, elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, la ctate dehydrogenase and proteinuria. Histopathological examination of the myocardium revealed some damage to myocytes and a mononuclear cell ular infiltration involving the myocardium, liver and kidneys. The two dogs had a fondness for avocado fruits and, as the presenting syndrom e is identical to that seen in goats, sheep and horses poisoned by avo cados, a comparison is made and the probable manifestation of this poi soning presented.