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.
SOURCE:
http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/seasons/easter/
