Cats and Easter Lilies – a Deadly Combination!
Easter lilies, found in bouquets and potted plants particularly this time of year, are extremely toxic to cats. Ingestion of any part of the lily causes kidney failure within 36-72 hours.
“Cat owners need to be aware that the consequences can be devastating, even fatal, to our feline family members”, states Dr. Cindy McManis of Just Cats Veterinary Services in The Woodlands, Texas. “Though not as popular this time of year, other species of lilies such as Tiger lilies, Day lilies, Stargazer lilies and Oriental lilies are also extremely toxic.”
Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, drooling and vomiting. Delay of treatment for over 18 hours will likely result in kidney failure and a high risk of death. Treatment includes evacuating and protecting the stomach and intestines from any absorption of the toxin and administering intravenous fluids. Dr. McManis notes that other species of animals such as dogs and horses are not known to be affected. Peace lilies and calla lilies are not in the same genus but can cause minor mouth and gastrointestinal irritation. Due to these risks, cat owners are encouraged to avoid placing lilies anywhere where cats reside.
In addition to having your regular veterinarian’s office number readily available, owners should have the number for Animal Poison Control, (888) 426-4435, accessible.
If your cat exhibits any of the symptoms noted above or if you suspect that your cat has ingested any part of an Easter lily seek veterinary care immediately. With prompt treatment, full recovery is possible.
Protect Your Cat Against Panleukopenia
We were alarmed to hear of an outbreak of Panleukopenia here in Los Angeles last month. This highly contagious cat virus may rear its ugly head in other geographical areas from time to time, so please check with your vet for current reports. Panleukopenia, sometimes referred to as “Distemper” in cats, is a deadly disease that is included in the most common vaccine (FVRCP) administered to kittens and boosted every 1-3 years throughout your cat’s life. We have alerted our clients via the following informative report
What is Panleukopenia?
It’s a highly contagious virus in cats which can live in the environment for months – similar to the canine parvovirus. It affects cats of all ages, but kittens (age 2-5 months) are most susceptible. The virus attacks the immune system and intestines of cats.
What are the Symptoms?
Systems can include: fever, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, eating less (or not eating at all), sudden death, and vomiting.
Is Panleukopenia Contagious?
Yes! Cats can begin showing symptoms 2-14 days after exposure to virus while humans can NOT get the disease. Adult cats can become infected and can be contagious without showing any signs of being sick.
How is Panleukopenia transmitted?
It is transmitted by:
- Direct contact with infected cats (respiratory secretions, feces)
- Contaminated environment— even cat carriers!
- Contaminated human hands and clothes
- Pre-natal—a mother can transmit the virus to her unborn kittens
- Infected cats can still shed the virus up to 6 weeks after they recover
How can I protect my cat?
You can protect your cat by:
- Isolating any cats with the above symptoms
- Contacting your local veterinarian
- NOT sharing cat carriers or other equipment
- Avoiding products claiming to work against Canine Parvovirus (quaternary ammonium) – these products may not completely kill the virus
- Cleaning all shared equipment with diluted bleach (1/2 cup per 1 gallon water). Allowing bleach to sit for 10 minutes on equipment
- Making sure all cats are up-to-date on vaccination
- Not combining litters of kittens
- Washing hands frequently
How is Panleukopenia Diagnosed?
The Canine Parvovirus can be used to diagnose this infection. It is a rapid test that can be done in the hospital using a fecal sample or rectal swab
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