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The Dangers of Lilies
The Dangers of Lilies
by Cheyenne Pratt, Veterinary Technician, Calico Creek Veterinary Clinic
Spring has finally sprung, bringing bright bouquets of seasonal flowers with it, for Easter, Mother ' s day, etc. This is an annual reminder to beware of lilies if you have pets, especially cats. Lilies are commonly found in spring arrangements and they are HIGHLY toxic to cats. According to the Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital, cases of lily toxicity in pets increase about 85 % in April and May.
There are many plants with the name lily but they do not all have the same toxins or cause the same problems. " True " lilies have the scientific name lilium or hemerocallis, and they are the most dangerous. It ' s unknown what specific toxin these lilies contain, but it can be found in every part of the plant, from the flower to the leaves, the stalk to the pollen. Even the water in the vase with these lilies is toxic. Ingesting just a small amount can be life threatening for your pet. Easter lilies, stargazer lilies, day lilies, Asiatic lilies, tiger lilies, and rose lilies all contain a toxin that causes kidney failure in cats( nephrotoxicity). If a cat ingests one of these lilies, they will become lethargic, start drooling, stop eating, and begin vomiting within the first 12 hours. Kidney failure happens within 24-72 hours, causing excessive drinking and urination. If the cat goes without treatment for more than 18 hours, the kidney damage will most likely be irreversible and the cat will not survive. These types of lilies do not affect dogs as severely, but can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Lily of the valley( Convallaria majalis) and impala lilies contain a strong cardio toxin called cardiac glycosides. Both cats and dogs are affected by this toxin. Ingesting a small amount can lead to GI upset and cause the heart to beat irregularly, which can be fatal. Calla lilies, peace lilies, amaryllis, fire lilies, and blood lilies contain calcium oxalate crystals. These sharp, microscopic crystals cause irritation in the mouth and esophagus. In some cases, severe swelling may occur, making breathing difficult. Peruvian lilies are the least toxic of all the lilies, but can still cause GI upset if ingested.
Cats are notorious for chewing on plants and they can jump high, so it ' s tough to keep flowers out of their reach. Be mindful when bringing flowers into your home if you have pets, as well as giving flowers to friends and family who have pets. Call your veterinarian right away if your pet has been exposed to a lily. Taking fast action is critical! If possible, take pictures of every part of the lily. It may help your veterinarian identify the type of lily, so they can provide the best treatment for your pet.
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Recalls:
Blue Ridge Beef, Virginia: Recalling its 2 pound log of Natural Mix for Dogs, due to potential Salmonella contamination. Lot number: N25 / 12 / 31 Info: blueridgebeefnc @ yahoo. com or call 704-873-2072.( 1 / 31 / 25)
Blue Ridge Beef, Virginia: Recalling its Puppy Mix after some of its products tested positive for Salmonella. Lot numbers 08 / 06 / N25 and 08 / 16 / N25. Info: 704-873-2072.( 12 / 2 / 24)
Carolina Prime Pet, Inc., North Carolina: Recalling 16-ounce bags of Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips treats for dogs- possible Salmonella contamination. Lot number 20051324L2. Info: 828- 394-6460.( 11 / 25 / 24)
Gaines Pet Treats LLC, Alabama: Recalling five ounce bags of Gaines Farmstead Chicken Chips treats for dogs- possible Salmonella contamination. Lot number 20061124. Info: 205-607-0173.( 11 / 22 / 24)
Answers Pet Food, Pennsylvania: Recalling certain lots of Answers Detailed Beef Formula for Dogs, Answers Straight Beef Formula for Dogs, and Answers Straight Chicken Formula for Dogs, after samples collected by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration were reported to have tested positive for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. Info: 1-800-431-8480.( 9 / 22 / 24)
Source: dogfoodadvisor. com, amva. org
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