Pet Forum / Mammals / Rats / September 2003

Hiya Susan,

I *did* explain to the vet that they hardly ever get avocado, but he didn't
seem to think that mattered.  Our little guys (and girls) don't seem to like
egg in any form, but I haven't tried recently, so I may make a little
scrambled egg for our invalid tonight.

They *do* adore cream though!  Anything creamy is a "gotta have".  They'll
even stick their nose into your cup if you've got milk in your tea
(actually, they'll steal whatever's in your cup, even if they don't like it
that much, as they like to have what we're having!)

If you have any other ideas for what to feed him up on, it would be most
appreciated.  He on his usual Reggie Rat mix with fresh fruit, veg and nuts
when he'll eat it and some baby food too.

Thanks again,

Maya
x

It does taste slightly grassy I guess.  It's really nice with some lemon
juice squeezed on it (not that I think my rats would like that, but they
definately go for the plain stuff!)

You're right about them being fattening though!  Avocados are high in
essential fatty acids, so I thought they'd help Turing put a bit of weight
back on, since he's lost so much so quickly (although if anyone else has any
suggestions, they'd be most welcome, as he's getting fed up of all the fresh
fruit and veg I'm feeding him along with his usual rat food and baby food!)

Maya
x

Hehehe!

You've really made my day with that one!  I've had a terrible day at work,
and that really cheered me up!

Maya
x

J&S Bouchard

....

Here's some more information, whether correct or not or if infact it also relates
to rats, I do not know...the same author does state somewhere avocado should not
be given to mice:...

"Avocados contain a toxic component called persin, which has been shown to
produce cardiac tissue damage, respiratory distress and mammary gland damage
in a variety of animals--including horses, goats, sheep, dogs, cattle,
rabbits, fish and birds."

A bit later the whole article was sent to the list and here it is:

HOLD THE GUACAMOLE, POR FAVOR!
Thinking of giving Polly a little something extra with her cracker? While
there are a few foods that both humans and pets can enjoy, there are
others that, while perfectly palatable for people, can be dangerous to our
animal companions. The fruit of the avocado, for example, poses a threat
to a number of species. "Avocados contain a toxic component called
persin," explains Jill A. Richardson, DVM, of the ASPCA Animal Poison
Control Center (APCC), "which has been shown to produce cardiac tissue
damage, respiratory distress and mammary gland damage in a variety of
animals--including horses, goats, sheep, dogs, cattle, rabbits, fish and
birds."

Consider the case of the cockatiel who had been given some guacamole by
his owner. Within four hours of ingestion, the bird started behaving
strangely--puffing his feathers and acting uncomfortable--and got
progressively worse. The bird's owner brought him to an emergency clinic,
and the veterinarian there contacted the APCC. Says Richardson, "We gave
him recommendations on treating the animal--an oxygen cage and diuretics
to remove the fluid on the bird's lungs." The animal was hospitalized for
several days, but recovered. "And needless to say," adds Richardson,
"guacamole is NOT on the menu any longer!"

If you suspect that your animal companion has eaten avocado--or any other
potentially dangerous substance--call your veterinarian or the APCC's
emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP for round-the-clock telephone
assistance. For more information on poison prevention, visit
http://www.apcc.aspca.org.

--
Wendy
www.pet-rescue.org.uk/forums