Welcome to this weeks blog post. This entry’s question comes from Sara Dawn, from Big Horn, Wyoming, who writes:
“Why are lilies toxic to cats?”
Sara’s question is in no doubt derived from her recent experience outlined in her blog. Although the question could be answered in a heavily scientific manner, I have attempted to avoid that which may be percieved as enigmatic to foster a better understanding of the question at hand.
WHY LILIES AND CATS DO NOT MIX:
Certain members of the lilaceae plant family (Tiger, Rubrum, Asian, Stargazer, and Easter lilies to be precise) have been observed to cause life threatening illness in cats when the plants are ingested (Teft, 2004). Specifically, when cats ingest lilies, they may develop a renal disorder, causing an acute kidney failure. Kidneys are necessary for a cat to survive as they act as a filtration system, which removes toxins and waste products from the body. When the kidneys fail, toxic substances begin to build up in the body, poisoning the animal's system and having a variety of negative side effects, and ultimately death.
Until recently, research was unable to identify the component of lilies which are toxic to cats (Hall, 1992). Modern research has noted that many lilies contain parent compound(s) or metabolite(s) which induce nephrotoxic tubular necrosis; However, the exact makeup of these compounds have still eluded researchers, preventing the creation of an anti-toxin (Brady & Janovitz, 2000; Rumbeiha et al. 2004). However, these studies note that when lilies are ingested, renal ultrastructural changes occur, which include swollen mitochondria, megamitochondria, edema, and lipidosis. Although many plants are toxic to a variety of pets, cats seem to be most influenced animal in regard to lily consumption, as studies have noted no effects of lily ingestion for rats or rabbits, and only a mild effect on dogs (Hall, 2001; Milewski & Khan, 2006).
SYMPTOMS OF LILY INGESTION:
The first sign of lily poisoning occurs within 30 minutes to several hours after the ingestion. Typically, a cat which has ingested lilies is likely to vomit, show signs of depression, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and have a loss of appetite. Renal failure generally occurs within 24 to 96 hours of ingestion, with signs such as increased urination, thirst, as the kidneys begin to fail. This failure generally leads to dehydration and death (Groff, 1993; Volmer, 1994).
TREATMENT & PROGNOSIS OF LILY INGESTION:
As discussed earlier, scientific research has been unable to find the specific agent within lilies which is poisonous to cats. Given that it is unclear what part of the lily causes renal failure in cats, a suitable anti-toxin cannot be made. As a result, treatment for cats which ingested lilies is somewhat more invasive.
The most common treatment for lily ingestion in cats is the use of decontamination and fluid diuresis. This treatment has been extremely successful in cats which have ingested lilies within 6 hours of treatment (Hall, 1992). The National Animal Poison Control Center recommends that induction of vomiting, followed by the administration of charcoal with a cathartic be utilized.
If treatment is not undertaken within 18 hours of ingestion, acute renal failure is likely to develop (Hall, 1992), with death occurring as early as 3 days without treatment (Hall, 2001). If a cat is unable to pass urine, dialysis is generally the only treatment option remaining.
As stated earlier, renal failure is preventable if decontamination and fluid diuresis are utilized successfully before 6 hours of ingestion, prompting a full recovery. However, once renal failure is noted, the prognosis is not as positive. Although the onset of renal failure may lead to other problems, tubular regeneration has been noted (Langston, 2002; Hall 2001).
OTHER COMMON CAT TOXINS:
Developing treatments for animals which have been exposed to poison is extremely difficult given the communication gap between species. Although one may believe that humans are more likely to succumb to poisonings given the prevalence of drug abuse and suicide, animals often lick their coat when something has been spilled on it, and due to their lack of hands, are more likely to use their mouths to explore. Even thought cats are said to be more cautious than dogs (according to Bjornstad (2008) dogs have indiscriminate eating habits prompted by curiosity), they may face a variety of challenges in navigating a world shaped by humans. These behavioral differences, combined with inherent differences in physiology, anatomy create major problems for veterinarians when it comes to finding a successful treatment. Given the lack of suitable treatments, it is every pet owner’s responsibility to ensure that their environment is pet friendly.
- INSECTICIDES: Toxicology reports have suggested that topical insecticides (e.g. products for dogs with permethrin, or others used for flea control) can lead to tremors and seizurs in cats. Ingredients may include organophosphates or carbamates, pyrethroids, imidacloprid, fipronil, and selamectin, all of which have been contributed to health problems in cats. This can present a challenge for owners of mulitple pets (Richardson, 1999; Volmer, 2004).
- VENLAFAXINE: This bicyclic antidepressant is extremely toxic to cats. A serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor as well as a weak dopamine reuptake inhibitor, cats seem to be drawn to consuming these pills. Less than one 37.5-mg capsule is enough to cause mydriasis, vomiting, and an array of other complications (ASPCA APCC: Database: Unpublished data, 2002-2005).
- GLOW JEWERLY AND STICKS: Any plastic bracelets, necklaces, and wands that contain a liquid that glows in the dark can be hazardous to cats. Given that cats frequently bite into jewelry, dibutyl phthalate can cause hypersalivation, agitation, and, occasionally, vomiting. Given its unpalatable taste, most cats stay clear of this poison (Rosendale, 1999).
- LIQUID POTPOURRI: Used as a household fragrance, the open bowl and heat source is often appealing to cats. Liquid potpourri may contain high concentrations of cationic detergents, essential oils, or a combination of both, which can damage the gastrointestinal track, and central nervous system (Richardson, 1999).
- NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS: NSAIDs are often administered to pets by owners; however a vet should be consulted before giving pets any medication. Cats have a low tolerance for NSAIDs, and are thought to be at least twice as sensitive to drugs, such as ibuprofen, as dogs are. When exposed, cats often develop ulceration, hemorrhaging, and acute renal failure. Because of this sensitivity, most exposures require aggressive treatment (Villar, et al. 2004).
- ACETAMINOPHEN: Similar to NSAIDs, acetaminophen (drugs such as Tylenol) is often given to sick cats by their owners. Exposure can cause respiratory distress and hepatic necrosis (Roder, 2004).
- ANTICOAGULANT RODENTICIDES: Although rat baits are generally similar in appearance, many traps do not use anticoagulants with bromethalin (a neurotoxin) or cholecalciferol (a vitamin D analogue). These substances typically cause hemorrhaging of the lungs and respiratory problems (Means, 2004).
NOTE: If you have a question for me to research and answer please submit it as a comment, or send it to ELKronos@aol.com / Facebook.com/ELKronos. Submit your name and location if you wish to opine.
CITATIONS:
Bjornstad, M. (2008). Differences between human and animal poisonings. Clinical toxicology, 46, 357-372.
Brady, M.A., & Janovitz, E.B. (2000). Nephrotoxicosis in a cat following ingestion of asiatic hybrid lily (lillium sp.). Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation, 12, 566-568.
Groff RM, Miller JM, Stair EL, et al.: 1993, Toxicoses and toxins. In: Feline practice, ed
Hall, J., (1992), Nephrotoxicity of Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) when ingested by the cat. Annual Meeting of Veterinary International Medicine, 6, 121–121.
Hall, J., (2001). Lily nephrotoxicity. In: Consultants in feline internal medicine 4. Philadelphia, ed. August JR, pp. 308–310. WB Saunders Co., Philadelphia, PA. 10. Hardy RM: 1994, Diseases of the exo
Langston, C.E. (2002). Acute renal failure caused by lily ingestion in six cats. Journal of Vetrinary Medicine Association, 220, 49–52.
Means, C., (2004). Anticoagulant rodenticides. In: Plumlee KH, ed. Clinical veterinary toxicology. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, 444-446.
Milewski, L. M. and Khan, S. A. (2006). An overview of potentially life-threatening poisonous plants in dogs and cats. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 16: 25–33.
Richardson, J.A., (1994). Potpourri hazards in cats. Veterinary Medicine, 94, 1010-1012.
Richardson, J. A. (1999). Permethrin spot-on toxicoses in cats. Journal of veterinary emergency critical care, 10, 103-106.
Roder, J.D., (2004). Analgesics. In: Plumlee KH, ed. Clinical veterinary toxicology. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, 282-284.
Rosendale, M.E., (1999). Glow jewelry (dibutyl phthalate) ingestion in cats. Veterinary medicine,94, 703-712.
Rumbeiha, Francis, Fitzgerald, Nair, Holan, Bugyei, & Simmons (2004). A comprehensive study of Easter lily poisoning in cats. Journal of veterinary diagnostic investigation, 16, 527-541.
Teft, K.M. (2004). Lily nephrotoxicity in cats. Veterinary compendium, 5, 149-157.
Villar, D., Buck, W.B., & Gonzalez, J.M., (1998). Ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen toxicosis and treatment in dogs and cats. Veterinary human toxicology, 40, 156-161.
Volmer, P.A. (1999). Easter lily toxicosis in cats. Veterinary medicine, 94, 331-342.
Volmer, P.A., (2004). Pyrethrins and pyrethroids. In: Plumlee KH, ed. Clinical veterinary toxicology. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, 188-190.
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