Lily of the Valley Poisoning in Dogs

Lily of the valley is a perennial flowering plant that spreads underground like other bulb-type flowers such as the tulip and daffodil. They are about two feet tall when fully grown with dozens of sweet-smelling, bell-shaped flowers and berries (fruit) in the late spring and summer. The lily of the valley is a toxic plant that needs to be treated like any other poisonous substance around pets and children because it can be fatal to whoever consumes any part of the plant, roots, flowers, or berries within hours if treatment is not given right away.

The lily of the valley is not a true lily, but it is one of the more dangerous flowers that are commonly recognized as a lily because of its name. These beautiful flowering plants have tiny bell-shaped flowers. Although they are not the cause of kidney damage, such as with other lilies, they can still be lethal. The whole plant has toxic levels of cardiac glycosides, but the bulbs (roots) are the most dangerous, causing serious life-threatening symptoms within hours of consumption. Almost 40 different cardiac glycosides (cardenolides) have been isolated within the lily of the valley. As if that is not bad enough, this lily also contains saponins, which are other properties that are toxic to dogs, cats, and children if they are eaten.

Depending on the part of the flower or plant eaten and amount consumed, the symptoms can vary a great deal. In some cases, just eating one bulb can cause serious cardiac abnormalities in small or older dogs. In fact, once you start noticing serious symptoms in your dog, it may be too late to get help. Some of the most common symptoms are:

• Abnormal heart rate
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Collapse
• Death
• Decreased heart rate
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Drooling
• Increased heart rate
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Seizures
• Sudden death
• Tremors
• Unsteady gait
• Vomiting
• Weakness

 Types

The lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) originated in Europe, but it has since been cultivated in the United States, especially in the eastern states, such as Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Virginia. While there are many types of lily of the valley species, the most common in the United States are:

• C. majalis albostriata
• C. majalis Berlin giant
• C. majalis green tapestry
• C. majalis rosea
• C. majalis flore pleno

The causes of lily of the valley poisoning are cardiac glycosides and saponins. Close to 40 cardiac glycosides (cardenolides) have been found in the lily of the valley. These compounds can cause serious heart abnormalities.

Bring a piece of the plant to show the veterinarian and provide details about how long ago it happened, as well as how much and what part of the plant your dog ate. In addition, let them know what symptoms your dog has shown, if any. Bring your dog’s medical history, including age, breed, health problems, injuries, medications, and vaccination records.

Your vet will perform a thorough examination, including:

• physical appearance
• heart rate
• respirations
• blood oxygen level
• body temperature
• blood pressure
• breathing
  
• reflexes
• weight
• inspection of the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth

Laboratory tests needed for diagnosis are a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, electrolyte levels, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. A urinalysis can show your dog’s specific gravity and glucose levels.

Many of your dog’s levels will be increased in the case of lily of the valley poisoning, including creatinine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, glucose, and protein. Additionally, x-rays, ultrasounds, a CT scan, or an MRI may be needed to determine if there is any internal damage. There are specific blood tests available to detect the cardiac glycosides, but they are very expensive and not that reliable.

With lily of the valley poisoning, causing your dog to vomit with a peroxide solution is not recommended because it is so rapidly absorbed. However, clearing the stomach of remaining plant particles with a gastric lavage may be done along with activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins

Supportive treatment includes intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolytes for dehydration and oxygen as needed. Medication for arrhythmia, such as lidocaine or atropine, can also be administered to return the heart rate to normal.

You can expect your dog to be back to normal within a few days if treatment was done within the first several hours of symptoms. Make sure your dog has a peaceful place to rest at home away from any stress, such as small children or other pets. Your dog may be disoriented for a while if anesthesia was used during treatment. However, if you have any questions or concerns, call your veterinarian.