Easter Lilies and daylilies potentially harmful to cats
As we move towards spring it becomes important to know which plants are especially harmful to pets. We have known for many years that Easter Lilies and cats are a bad combination and now this article provides solid evidence that daylilies have the potential to be just as harmful. Take a moment to read through this brief review and you will have one more tool in your box as spring arrives.
Hadley RM, Richardson JA, Gwaltney-Brant SM: A retrospective study of daylily toxicosis in cats. Vet Human Tox 48(1): 38-39, 2003. Reviewed by Kristy Sweetland , CVT
This article discusses the risk posed to cats by exposure to the common daylily plant (family Liliaceae , genus Hemerocallis). Twenty-two confirmed cases of feline daylily toxicosis were reviewed. Other lilies (Easter, Japanese, Stargazer, tiger, others) known to be nephrotoxic to cats were not discussed.
The common daylily is not a true lily. It occasionally bears one or more vibrantly colored, lily-shaped flowers on a 3-foot long stem. The plant blooms from late spring through early autumn. The common daylily is native to eastern Asia , but is found in the United States in garden borders, grassy woodlands, and flower arrangements. Cats are especially sensitive to Hemerocallis sp. and are the only known mammals at risk for nephrotoxic effects.
Gastrointestinal signs, especially vomiting and hypersalivation, occurred in 77% (17) of the 22 cases studied. CNS findings of ataxia, depression, tremors and seizures occurred in 36% (8) of the cases, and 32% (7) progressed to acute renal failure (confirmed by laboratory tests). Reported sequelae included anorexia, weight loss, and anemia. Aggressive decontamination, intravenous diuresis, and laboratory monitoring were recommended in all 22 cases.
Follow up data was obtained on half of the cases. No cats with laboratory confirmed renal failure survived. Four cats that presented with only GI signs received activated charcoal, IV fluids, and supportive care within 24-36 hours of exposure. All 4 of these cats made a full recovery without laboratory evidence of renal damage.
Toxicity resulting from Hemerocallis sp . ingestion in cats is not well understood. Hemerocallis sp. appears to have the same nephrotoxic potential as Lilium sp., but whether or not they share the same toxic principle is currently unknown. Clinical signs associated with Hemerocallis sp. and Lilium sp. toxicoses are similar. In both cases, vomiting and hypersalivation develop by 3 hours after exposure and persist for 4-6 hours. Anorexia and lethargy occur early and persist throughout the entire exposure. Renal signs begin with polyuria at 12-30 hrs post-ingestion and progress in untreated cats to anuric renal failure within 48hrs.
Treatment includes early decontamination (emesis and activated charcoal) and fluid diuresis for 48 hours. Electrolytes, acid-base balance, urine specific gravity, and renal function should be closely monitored. Treatment of renal failure is symptomatic. The prognosis for recovery in anuric cats is grave. Hemo- or peritoneal dialysis should be considered in anuric cats.
Accurate plant identification by a plant specialist is essential in evaluation and treatment. Identification of the plant by common name is discouraged as other “lily” plants may or may not be associated with renal failure. Aggressive therapy should be pursued in all cases of lily ingestions until accurate identification can be made.
Return
|
