Toxin Tuesdays: Lilies

The Easter Lily can lead to serious health problems in our cats! (Image Source)

Flowers are a great gift and a way we show our appreciation or affection for someone. Did you know that there are some flowers that can be toxic to our pets? Today we are going to look at the Lillium family which poses the greatest risk to cats. Just because the word Lily is in the name does not mean it is toxic, however you need to verify the species before bringing it into your home with pets.

 

Make sure your cat isn't chewing on your fresh cut flowers!  (Image Source)

The most common toxic species include the Easter lily, the tiger lily, the Japanese snow lily and the daylily (member of the Hemerocallis family). If these flowers are present in your bouquet best to leave them at work or where your cat friends cannot get to them.

 

No question this cat got into pollen! It needs a bath and a vet visit! (Image source)

Cats are naturally curious so new items in the house will be very enticing to them. Most parts of the plants are considered toxic, so even pollen exposure can lead to issues. If you notice your pet has been chewing or playing with the flower and there is pollen on them it is best to rinse them off then call your veterinarian immediately.

 

He may not be happy about it, but a bath could save your cat! (Image Source)

The symptoms for exposure can range from vomiting and diarrhea to sudden kidney failure. It is very important to start supportive care of fluids to protect the kidneys from further damage. It is possible that even small amounts, as little as one to two pieces of the plan, can cause irreversible kidney damage and even death. In extreme exposure situations you may even note neurological signs such as seizures or muscle tremors.

 

Iv catheter in place and ready for fluids (Image Source)

Once at the veterinarian blood work may be obtained to ensure that the kidneys are still functioning appropriately. Then, as mentioned above, with known exposure it is best to start fluid therapy to protect the kidneys. At this time there is no antidote for lily poisoning. Avoidance is the best option. If exposure does happen, quick and aggressive treatment gives our feline friends the best chance of survival without any permanent effects.