What is Pillow foot?
Pillow Foot in Cats (Plasma Cell Pododermatitis in Cats) is a rare disease of the footpads of cats. 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.
Causes of Pillow Foot in cats
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.
Symptoms of Pillow Foot
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.
Diagnosis of Pillow Foot in Cats
The main diagnostic marker is simply the appearance of the footpads. Removing cells with a small needle and examining them under the microscope (fine needle aspirate) may reveal numerous plasma cells. Blood tests may be recommended to look for infection, kidney problems, or evidence of immune response, but the results are variable. A biopsy of an affected foot pad usually confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment for Pillow Foot
Treatment may be not needed if the inflammation is mild and the cat feels okay. In some cats, the condition spontaneously disappears. However, in other cats, medications are needed to balance the immune system. In this case, steroids or immune-suppressive medications may be prescribed. Sometimes, surgery is an option to remove lesions that affect only one food pad, but this is uncommon. Many pets require some medication for life and need periodic blood tests to monitor for adverse effects of the medications.