|
Lily-ingestion Toxicity in Cats
With the
return of spring time, comes celebration. For Christians,
Easter calls for rejoicing. For everyone, spring signifies
renewal, a fresh start. New green growth and blooming
flowers mark a new beginning. Many people will celebrate
during this time by adorning their households with flowers
and plants. However, cat owners need to beware that some of
the most common plants are highly toxic to their beloved
feline companions.
 Easter
lilies (Lilium Iongiflorum), other species of the genus
Lilium (Tiger lily, rubrum lily, Japanese show lily, Asiatic
hybrid lily),
 some
species of daylilies (Hemerocallis spp), and possibly other
species of the family Liliaceae are highly toxic to cats
leading to kidney damage. All parts of the plant are
considered toxic, and intoxication can occur with ingestion
of less than one leaf. To date, the toxic component has not
been determined.
Within the first two to six hours of lily ingestion, a cat
may manifest intestinal upset including vomiting, loss of
appetite, and depression. Signs may temporarily subside only
to return within twelve to eighteen hours as kidney damage
ensues. Treatment consists of rapid decontamination
(inducing vomiting to remove plant material, administration
of activated charcoal), and intravenous fluid. Postponing
treatment for more than eighteen hours can result in renal
failure, and death; therefore, prompt and aggressive
veterinary care is paramount. With prompt treatment, full
recovery is possible. However, if treatment is delayed,
varying degrees of permanent kidney damage will occur. If
the cat is not treated at all, death usually occurs in three
to seven days.
Cats can be extremely inquisitive, and may graze on plants
in and around a house. Therefore, cat owners are encouraged
to avoid placing lilies where cats reside, whether indoor or
outdoor. During Easter celebration and for that matter year
around, substituting Easter lilies and other kidney toxic
plants with plants such as Easter Orchids, Easter Lily
Cactus, Easter Daisy or violets is recommended.
[home]
|
