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LILY TOXICITY

Recent studies have shown thatacute renal failure can be causedby exposure and /or ingestion ofcertain types of lilies. These flowers are often used in flower arrangements around the home.

The species oflily are Tiger Lily,Easter Lily, Rubrum, DayLily, Glory Lily, Stargazer Lily, Japanese Show Lily, Asian Lilies, Peace Lilies and Calla Lilies.

Cats being curious by nature will investigate the flowers and while playing with them may chew and swallow parts of the plant. This can happenunbeknown to the owner when a cat is left alonein the house. All parts of the flower are poisonous – flowers, stamen, stem, leaves androots. It seems cats are unique to this intoxicationpossibly because their metabolism differs to thatof other pets. Dogs can develop mild gastrointestinal signs and rats and rabbits developno symptoms at all.

Signs of toxicity to watch for are vomiting,anorexia and depression. This usually happenswithin 2 hours and may subside within 12 hours.

After this the cat will appear to have recovered,however, acute renal failure will developwithin24-72 hours and the cat will become critically ill.

If the cat is presented promptly after knowningestion, vomiting can be induced and renalperfusion may be necessary under anaesthetic.

Young cats and those treated immediately afteringestion have the best prognosis for a fullrecovery.

Cats shouldnever have access toflowers or plants of this family