Throughly Vetted – C-VILLE Weekly

As spring blooms, beware of flowers toxic to pets

It’s not yet safe to think that spring has fully sprung, but as the occasional warm days sneak back onto the calendar, it’s hard to resist cracking the windows and cleaning the house in preparation for brighter weather. In my case, that optimistic spirit invariably leads to the purchase of a few houseplants. Ignoring all prior experience, I believe this just has to be the year in which I’ll finally keep them alive for more than a week and a half.

If you live with animals, your choice of botanical decor should depend on more than just appearances. Unfortunately, some of the most beautiful plants are also the most dangerous. Those fiery tiger lilies might look fantastic in the garden, and the Easter lily on your kitchen table might be appropriate for the holiday, but they are outright deadly to cats.

Although it’s been known for some time, it remains unclear exactly why lilies are so poisonous to cats. The offending compound hasn’t been identified, but it makes quick work of a cat’s kidneys when ingested, even in a small amount. It doesn’t matter if they chew on the leaves, stem or petals. There is even evidence that the plant’s pollen is as toxic as the plant itself. Regardless, it only takes a few hours for symptoms to kick in, and fatal kidney failure follows within a day or two.

If a cat is caught in the act, prompt treatment to empty the stomach and provide hospitalized supportive care can save its life. But because lilies are often grown outdoors, ingestion frequently goes unrecognized until the damage is done. These cases may still benefit from aggressive treatment, but the prognosis is sadly more doubtful.

Oddly, cats are the only animals known to be affected by this particular toxicity. Other animals, including dogs, can eat these plants with only a bit of stomach upset to show for it.

Adding further confusion is the fact that not all lilies are lilies. Not technically, at any rate. The lily of the valley belongs to an entirely different family of plant and doesn’t cause renal failure in cats. But don’t relax just yet. Instead, it contains compounds called glycosides that can disrupt the normal function of the heart.

Still other pretenders include peace lilies and calla lilies. These unrelated plants are also toxic, but in a far lesser sense. Instead, they contain microscopic crystals called oxalates that can cause serious inflammation of the mouth, throat and stomach when ingested. They won’t kill anybody, but they can leave curious pets with a mouthful of regret.

I suppose it’s nice to know that not all lilies are cat killers, but the others still deal their share of damage. When it comes to preparing my home for spring, I think I’ll just leave any lilies out of it. It’s clearly the safest choice for my pets’ well-being. And given my track record with plants, it’s probably best for the lilies as well.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small-animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

Thoroughly Vetted: Dogs and cats have an extra eyelid

At a glance, you wouldn’t even know it’s there. Dogs and cats appear to have the same two eyelids that we do. But look closer, especially if you find your pet half asleep, and you might catch a glimpse of their third eyelid. Properly called the nictitans, it’s a pink sheet of tissue that stretches diagonally from the inner corner of each eye, but which stays drawn out of view under normal circumstances.

The nictitans isn’t unique to our household pets. This membrane is common across the animal kingdom, and is seen in a variety of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. It’s even translucent in some species, functioning as flip-up safety goggles. And while human beings don’t have a proper third eyelid, you can see the vestigial remnant of yours in the mirror—a little band of pink tissue called the plica semilunaris.

In dogs and cats, the third eyelid isn’t directly controlled by any muscles. Instead, it works as a spring-loaded protective device. When threatened or injured, the eye reflexively sinks backwards into its socket. This simply gives the nictitans enough room to pop up and do its job. Once the situation has passed, the eye returns to its normal position, forcing the nictitans back into its pocket.

This is important because if a pet’s third eyelid remains exposed, it means something is wrong with that eye. It could be a simple eye infection, or perhaps a scratched cornea. Sometimes I’ll find foreign material—perhaps a bit of grass or grit—stuck in there. And if both are exposed, it can indicate a wide variety of underlying causes ranging from dehydration to neuromuscular disease.

It’s not uncommon that I see an animal with an injured third eyelid. It’s relatively delicate, and the edge can easily be cut or torn. But these injuries are usually simple to manage, and serve as evidence that the membrane performed admirably. Better to have an injured third eyelid than an injured eyeball. These cases are the ocular equivalent of fender-benders.

At least a few times a year, I’m also likely to see a puppy with “cherry eye,” an ugly pink lump in the corner of one or both eyes. That lump is a wayward tear gland that is supposed to be tucked deep behind the third eyelid. In some dogs (and rarely in cats), the tissue meant to hold the gland in place is too loose, allowing it to pop up over the edge of the lid. Apart from being unsightly, this can damage the tear gland and cause chronic irritation, and usually requires surgical correction to put that little sucker back where it belongs.

Perhaps it’s a bit odd that our pets have a third eyelid that we don’t. But given its prevalence in other species, and how useful it can be in preventing injury, I think it’s more appropriate to wonder why we only have two.

Dr. Mike Fietz is a small animal veterinarian at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. He received his veterinary degree from Cornell University in 2003 and has lived in Charlottesville since.

Ready to be adopted!

Penelope here. So, I got into some scuffles with my sister and ended up here. I’m real gentle, honest! I’d just prefer to be the only dog in your life.

Hey, I’m Puca. I’m not shy about asking for attention, whether you’re at the computer or lounging on the couch. I just want some pets. Can we snuggle?

What’s up? I’m Andy, and I’ve never met a stranger. Give me treats and I’m yours forever (and I’ll work on that whole leash thing—I’ve almost got it!).

Hi, I’m Franie. Around here, I’m pretty popular—I love attention and will stop at nothing to get it. Let’s have a chat or sit and bird-watch.

Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, 3355 Berkmar Dr. 973-5959, caspca.org, noon-6pm, daily