March 7, 2008

Cat owners should find alternatives to decorating with lilies

Lilies known to cause kidney failure in cats include the Easter, tiger, rubrum, Japanese show lilies and the daylily.

"Cats can be extremely inquisitive and may graze on plants in and around a house," says Lorraine A. Corriveau, wellness veterinarian in the School of Veterinary Medicine. "Therefore, cat owners are encouraged to avoid placing lilies where cats reside, whether indoor or outdoor. "

"All parts of the plant are considered toxic, and intoxication can occur with ingestion of less than one leaf."

Within the first two to six hours of ingestion, a cat will show signs of intestinal upset, including vomiting, loss of appetite and depression. Signs may temporarily subside only to return within 12 to 18 hours as kidney damage ensues.

"Prompt and aggressive veterinary care is paramount to the survival of your cat," Corriveau says. "With immediate treatment, full recovery is possible. However if treatment is delayed, varying degrees of permanent kidney damage will occur. If the cat is not treated at all, death usually occurs in three to seven days."

Treatment consists of inducing vomiting to remove plant material and administration of activated charcoal and intravenous fluid.  Postponing treatment for more than 18 hours, however, can result in renal failure and death, Corriveau says.

Corriveau reminds pet owners to talk to their veterinarian at the first sign of any health or environmental issue with their pets.

Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu

Source: Lorraine Corriveau, corrivea@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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