A retrospective study of daylily toxicosis in cats

The Easter, Japanese, stargazer and tiger lilies (Lilium sp) are nephrotoxic to cats. This study examined risks posed to cats by the common daylily (Hemerocallis sp: H. dumortierei, H. fulvi, H. graminea, H. seiboldii) following ingestion. Records describing ingestion of Hemerocallis sp between January 1998 and June 2002 were reviewed for signalment, quantity ingested, clinical signs (onset, severity, duration), treatments administered, and outcome. Twenty-two cases of confirmed exposure resulting in toxicosis were evaluated. Cats that ingest daylilies are at risk for gastrointestinal distress and acute renal failure. Successful treatment can be accomplished with early decontamination and aggressive fluid therapy.