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.
