Symptoms

Initially the affected cat will start to vomit, exhibit depression and refuse to eat. These early symptoms often start within a few hours of ingestion of the plant material and progressively become more severe. Within 1 to 3 days the cat will become critically ill and develop acute renal failure, with symptoms including dehydration, low to nil urine production, bad breath, sometimes with mouth ulcers. The kidneys will be enlarged and painful on palpation.

Without treatment, the cat will become progressively ill and die within 3 to 7 days.

Treatment

Ring us immediately if you even suspect your cat has nibbled lilies. Rapid, early veterinary intervention is critical if renal failure is to be avoided and recovery achieved. Blood and urine tests will help confirm the diagnosis.

There is no antidote – the responsible toxins and the mechanism of poisoning are yet to be identified. Treatment includes aggressive intravenous fluid therapy and other intensive supportive treatment aimed at normalising kidney function and correcting dehydration and urine output.

If presented immediately, plant material can be removed from the stomach and mouth. If more time has elapsed since the plants have been eaten, intensive therapy as above is required to try to combat renal failure.