The veterinarians at Pet
Poison Helpline receive hundreds of calls this time of year from pet owners and
veterinarians concerning cats that have ingested Easter lilies.
“Unbeknownst to many pet
owners, Easter lilies are highly toxic to cats,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “All parts of
the Easter lily plant are poisonous – the petals, the leaves, the stem and even
the pollen. Cats that ingest as few as one or two leaves, or even a small
amount of pollen while grooming their fur, can suffer severe kidney failure.”
In most situations, symptoms
of poisoning will develop within six to 12 hours of exposure. Early signs
include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and dehydration. Symptoms worsen
as kidney failure develops. Some cats will experience disorientation,
staggering and seizures.
“There is no effective
antidote to counteract lily poisoning, so the sooner you can get your cat to
the veterinarian, the better his chances of survival will be,” said Brutlag.
“If you see your cat licking or eating any part of an Easter lily, call your
veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately. If left untreated, his chances
of survival are low.”
Treatment includes inducing
vomiting, administering drugs like activated charcoal (to bind the poison in
the stomach and intestines), intravenous fluid therapy to flush out the
kidneys, and monitoring of kidney function through blood testing. The prognosis
and the cost – both financially and physically – to the pet owner and cat, are
best when treated immediately.
There are several other types
of lilies that are toxic to cats as well. They are of the Lilium and
Hemerocallis species and commonly referred to as Tiger lilies, Day lilies and
Asiatic lilies. Popular in many gardens and yards, they can also result in
severe acute kidney failure. These lilies are commonly found in florist
bouquets, so it is imperative to check for poisonous flowers before bringing
bouquets into the household. Other types of lilies – such as the Peace,
Peruvian and Calla lilies – are usually not a problem for cats and may cause
only minor drooling.
Thankfully, lily poisoning does
not occur in dogs or people. However, if a large amount is ingested, it can
result in mild gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Other Dangers to Pets at Easter Time
Pet Poison Helpline also
receives calls concerning pets that have ingested Easter grass and chocolate.
Usually green or yellow in
color, Easter grass is the fake grass that often accompanies Easter baskets.
When your cat or dog ingests something “stringy” like Easter grass, it can
become anchored around the base of the tongue or stomach, rendering it unable
to pass through the intestines. It can result in a linear foreign body and
cause severe damage to the intestinal tract, often requiring expensive
abdominal surgery.
Lastly, during the week of
Easter, calls to Pet Poison Helpline concerning dogs that have been poisoned by
chocolate increase by nearly 200 percent. While the occasional chocolate chip
in one cookie may not be an issue, certain types of chocolate are very toxic to
dogs. In general, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the greater the
danger. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate pose the biggest problem. The
chemical toxicity is due to methylxanthines (a relative of caffeine) and
results in vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm,
seizures, and possibly death. Other sources include chewable chocolate flavored
multi-vitamins, baked goods, or chocolate-covered espresso beans. If you
suspect that your dog ate chocolate, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison
Helpline immediately.
Spring is in the air and
Easter is a wonderful holiday. Remember that your pets will be curious about
new items you bring into your household like Easter lilies, Easter grass and
chocolate. Keep them a safe distance away from your pets’ reach and enjoy the
holiday and the season.
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