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Although avocado poisoning in livestock is rarely reported in Japan, cases have been documented overseas in animals such as horses and goats. The clinical and pathological presentation is characterized by inappetence, cardiovascular signs including tachycardia and pulmonary edema, as well as myocardial necrosis and fibroplasia. On November 19, 2025, five pet goats in Ehime Prefecture that had been fed avocado branches and leaves containing fruit exhibited clinical signs such as gait abnormality, submandibular edema, and congestion of the ocular conjunctiva. One of the goats died on November 20. Necropsy of the deceased goat revealed hydropericardium, pulmonary congestion, and pulmonary edema, and avocado fruit was detected in the gastric contents. Hematological examination of the affected goats revealed an increased hematocrit value and leukocytosis, while blood biochemical analysis showed elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase. Following treatment with activated charcoal and anti-inflammatory drugs, all four goats achieved full remission by December 25 of the same year. Although a definitive diagnosis was not established, this case was strongly suspected to be avocado poisoning in goats, given that no clinical signs were observed in the goat that did not ingest the avocado. As there are no previous reports of avocado poisoning in goats in Japan, this case highlights the need to alert pet goat owners to this potential hazard.
Research papers (academic journals)
