What’s all the buzz about lilies

Easter is fast approaching…While we are always concerned about our pet’s consuming chocolate during this holiday, we should be very concerned about the plants we choose to decorate with during this time.

There are many plants that are classified as lilies. Would you be able to identify which lilies are not toxic to our feline patients? Which lilies are toxic? Examples of nontoxic lilies include: Peruvian lily, Calla lily and Peace lily. While not considered toxic to cats and dogs, these plants can cause gi irritation and upset as well as oral and throat irritation.

On the other hand, Lily of the Valley, Amaryllis, Asiatic lily, Easter lily, Day lily, Rose lily, Japanese Show lily, Wood lily and the Tiger lily are all considered EXTREMELY toxic to our felines!! The active toxic principle is unknown and water soluble and is found in ALL parts of the plant including: the stem, flower, pollen, petals, leaves and even the water the plants are sitting in!

Diagnosis is usually made via suspicion or by an owner witnessing exposure and or ingestion. Should this be missed by an owner, they may witness the following clinical signs of ingestion within 12 hours beginning with: gi signs, nausea, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, anorexia and dehydration. Additional symptoms could include seizures and pancreatitis as the pet progresses to acute kidney failure within 24-48 hours.

If exposure is suspected, the pet should be seen IMMEDIATELY by a veterinarian. This is considered a medical emergency! This is a treatable situation if the client gets their pet treatment quickly. The prognosis is good if treatment is implemented quickly, but guarded to fatal if treatment is delayed.

To prevent this potentially fatal exposure, it is recommended that we not place these deadly plants in our home or outside around the house. If you are not sure about exposure call your veterinarian or