Feline pillow foot

Feline plasma cell pododermatitis PCP feline pillow foot, also known as cat pillow foot, is a skin disease afflicting the paw pads in cats. The flesh of the paw pads is invaded by plasma cells, causing the pads to swell, resembling a pillow.

Plasma cell pododermatitis is a foot pad disease of cats. It is fairly classical in its appearance yet its significance is poorly understood. The fact that an activated immunological cell is involved implies that there is some sort of immune stimulation in the genesis of this disease. Supporting this idea is the observation that therapy targeting the immune system generally controls the disease. So it looks like there is an immunological basis for this disease but, unfortunately, understanding has not progressed far enough to suggest an actual cause for the immunologic problem. That said, understanding of plasma cell pododermatitis has not progressed far enough to begin to suggest the specific nature of any such immune-mediated cause.

Feline pillow foot

Due to the accumulation of a specific type of white blood cells called plasma cells, the footpad becomes inflamed. Plasma cells play a major role in the immune system. The cause is unknown but is thought to be immune-mediated; that is, the immune system causes or aggravates inflammation. Some studies have found a link between pillow foot and feline immunodeficiency virus FIV infection so it is important to screen an affected cat for this virus. In the early stages of pododermatitis, soft, non-uncomfortable swelling of the footpads develops. More than one pad on more than one foot is typically involved. Pads may look purple and appear streaky, with white scaly material on the surface. Later, the pads can become bloody and uncomfortable. Sometimes kidney disease and inflammation of the tissues in the mouth can also occur. The main diagnostic marker is simply the appearance of the footpads.

Outdoor cats may be more feline pillow foot to be affected than indoor cats due to their increased exposure to environmental factors. A biopsy of an affected foot pad usually confirms the diagnosis.

Federal government websites often end in. The site is secure. Feline plasma cell pododermatitis or pillow foot is an uncommon condition in cats reported in the veterinary literature since the s. It is also reported in dogs, although rarely, with a clinical presentation similar to that in cats. Response to treatment is often slow, however, and subsequent relapses are possible. The prognosis is generally good, except in rare cases of concomitant immune-mediated glomerulonephritis or subsequent renal or hepatic amyloidosis 1 , 2. Plasma cells are mature B-lymphocytes that become activated and then secrete antibodies, usually in response to an antigenic stimulation such as an infection or an inflammatory process.

Due to the accumulation of a specific type of white blood cells called plasma cells, the footpad becomes inflamed. Plasma cells play a major role in the immune system. The cause is unknown but is thought to be immune-mediated; that is, the immune system causes or aggravates inflammation. Some studies have found a link between pillow foot and feline immunodeficiency virus FIV infection so it is important to screen an affected cat for this virus. In the early stages of pododermatitis, soft, non-uncomfortable swelling of the footpads develops. More than one pad on more than one foot is typically involved. Pads may look purple and appear streaky, with white scaly material on the surface. Later, the pads can become bloody and uncomfortable. Sometimes kidney disease and inflammation of the tissues in the mouth can also occur.

Feline pillow foot

Feline plasma cell pododermatitis PCP , also known as cat pillow foot, is a skin disease afflicting the paw pads in cats. The flesh of the paw pads is invaded by plasma cells, causing the pads to swell, resembling a pillow. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell activated in response to an infection or an inflammatory process. The secretions build up in the paw pad, creating ballooning or swelling.

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Myeloma-Related Disorders in Cats. Alternatively, high doses of an oral steroid such as prednisone may be helpful for cats that did not respond to doxycycline. J Vet Med Sci. Top Companion Anim Med. Thrombocytopenia in Dogs and Cats. Monitoring Glucose Regulation in Dogs and Cats. Puppies and Kittens Who Bite. Cholangitis Cholangiohepatitis in Cats. Hot Spots in Dogs and Cats. High Blood Pressure in our Pets. When the condition is in adequate remission, the doxycycline is continued for several months further before discontinuing and seeing if the condition recurs. The bridge of the nose becomes firm and swollen and may or may not present erosions. More than one pad on more than one foot is typically involved.

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To find out your shipping cost , Please proceed to checkout. Psychogenic Alopecia in Cats. Exactly what the link is between these two conditions remains unclear but approximately 50 percent of cats with plasma cell pododermatitis are FIV-positive. Sterile Cystitis Pandora Syndrome in Cats. Pododermatitis requires specific treatment from your veterinarian. References 1. Cat Breeds. Plasma cell pododermatitis is a foot pad disease of cats. Abscesses from Bite Wounds. The skin of the pad may develop a purplish tint and may even ulcerate. Can pillow foot in cats be cured? Home Diseases A-Z.