A pillow foot. Photo by MarVistaVet

Plasma cell pododermatitis is a foot pad disease of cats that is fairly classical in its appearance yet its significance is poorly understood. Plasma cell pododermatitis literally means foot inflammation involving infiltration by plasma cells. Plasma cells are activated lymphocytes in full maturity suddenly and severely producing antibodies, usually in response to an infection or at least in response to some kind of inflammatory process.

The fact that a cell of the activated immune system is involved implies that there is some sort of immune stimulation in the genesis of the 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. Some studies have found a link between plasma cell pododermatitis and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection so it is important to screen an affected cat for this virus. Exactly what the link is between these two conditions remains unclear but approximately 50 percent of cats with plasma cell pododermatitis are FIV-positive. Other cats will respond to a food allergy diet trial which suggests allergy may be involved in some cases. It may well be that many factors can be involved in creating this disease. 

Confirming the Diagnosis

An affected foot pad develops a classic mushy appearance and balloons out as shown in the photo. The skin of the pad may develop a purplish tint and may even ulcerate. All four feet may or may not be affected but rarely is only one foot afflicted. Some cats may be lame, especially on severely affected feet. On blood tests, cats with plasma cell pododermatitis usually have elevated numbers of circulating lymphocytes and high circulating antibody (globulin) levels, so such findings are supportive of making this diagnosis. Furthermore, other foot pad swellings such as tumors, insect bites, or proliferations from eosinophilic granuloma complex usually only affect a single foot. If the physical appearance of the foot is not obvious, a biopsy of the foot pad should confirm the condition, thus leaving no question. Less invasively, a needle aspirate can be used to harvest some cells from the affected foot and check for an abundance of plasma cells.

Treatment

Modification of the underlying immune reaction is the core of therapy for cats in which therapy is deemed necessary by your veterinarian. At this time, the treatment of choice is oral doxycycline.  While doxycycline is an antibiotic, it also has immunomodulating properties and we believe it is these properties that are effective in treating plasma cell pododermatitis. Approximately 50 percent of affected cats will show a good response after two months of therapy. When the condition is in adequate remission, the doxycycline is continued for several months further before discontinuing and seeing if the condition recurs. Alternatively, high doses of an oral steroid such as prednisolone may be helpful for cats that did not respond to doxycycline. Cyclosporine, another immunomodulator that is available as a liquid, has also received attention for treating this condition. Should medicating a cat daily prove a bit daunting, another therapy choice might involve injections of methylprednisolone acetate (depomedrol), a long-acting steroid, though there is some potential for side effects. Alternatively, injections of dexamethasone, a shorter-acting steroid, can be given regularly at home.

Large ulcerated masses on the footpads may require surgical removal. In most cases, the condition is manageable and the cat can be made comfortable.