What is Pillow foot in cats?

What is pillow foot or Pillow Paw?

“Pillow Foot” or “Pillow Paw” (Feline Plasma Cell Pododermatitis) is an autoimmune condition that can cause cats to develop painful, swollen cracked paw pads on one or more of their paws.

What kind of disease is pillow foot in a cat?

Plasma Cell Pododermatitis (Pillow Foot) in Cats Plasma Cell Stomatitis in Cats Pneumonia Management in Dogs and Cats Pneumothorax in Dogs and Cats Portal Vein Hypoplasia in Dogs and Cats

How can you tell if a cat has a pillow foot?

The cat’s paw pad surface may become purplish or have white striations and it can crack or ulcerate. Pillow foot in cats can affect one or all four paws. Typically, a cat will appear to be lame on the affected paws. To confirm pillow paw, your veterinarian may need to run blood tests.

Do cats with plasma cell pododermatitis have pillow paws?

Some studies estimate that 50% of cats with plasma cell pododermatitis are positive for FIV. Many cats have the classic appearance of pillow paws but it does not cause problems. These cats will generally have swollen puffy but non-painful pads. On the other hand, some cats will have the following signs:

What does it mean when a cat has pillow foot?

“Pillow Foot” or “Pillow Paw” (Feline Plasma Cell Pododermatitis) is an autoimmune condition that can cause cats to develop painful, swollen cracked paw pads on one or more of their paws. The exact cause is unknown, but like other autoimmune conditions, it is the body’s response to an antibody or infection that causes an inflammatory response.

What to do if your cat has Pillow Paw disease?

Cats with plasma cell pododermatitis also tend to have plasma cell stomatitis, which affects the mouth, and sometimes renal amyloidosis, which affects the kidneys. If your cat is diagnosed with pillow paw disease, ask for a full blood panel specifically to check for feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus.

What causes pillow paws?

“Pillow paw” is a somewhat rare, mysterious ailment. Research has yet to discover its exact cause. What is known is that it’s related to the immune system. Excess plasma cells — cells produced by the body in response to an antibody or infection — flood the padding on the bottom of the paw, causing it to soften, swell and become inflamed.

Why does my cat have a limp on his foot?

The cat may eventually become quite lame if the paws become too damaged. Pododermatitis is often paired with renal amyloidosis (a kidney disease) or plasma cell stomatitis (a disease of the mouth). Feline plasma cell pododermatitis, often called “pillow foot”, is a condition in which severe inflammation develops on the foot pads of a cat.

What is pillow foot in cats?

Feline plasma cell pododermatitis, often called “pillow foot”, is a condition in which severe inflammation develops on the foot pads of a cat. All four pads may be affected at once, and it is rare for only one paw to be inflamed.

Why does my cat have pillow-y paws?

There is an auto-immune disease called feline plasmacytic pododermatitis. This disease is often referred to as “ Pillow Paw ”. They have an overproduction of a type of immune cell, called the plasma cell, which attacks their paw pads. It can cause their paw pads to puff out and look “pillow-y”, hence the name.

How do I know if my cat broke his tail?

Assess whether your cat has a broken tail. The bones in the tail can be fractured like any other bone. A big cause of tail fractures is being slammed in a door. A tail that is pulled can also break. A tail fracture presents as a limp tail, a tail unable to be swished from side to side, a bent or crooked tail, and/or a tail that is painful.

Why does my cat have a lump on his paw?

The cause of feline plasma cell pododermatitis is largely unknown. A common theory involves an immune-mediated mechanism that activates lymphocytes and plasma cells. The paw pad is infiltrated with these cells, causing swelling and a soft doughy and almost “pillowy” appearance.

How long does it take for a cat to recover from pododermatitis?

Most symptomatic cats will respond to medical therapy within one to two months. Some cats with pododermatitis may have concurrent kidney disease (amyloidosis) or an oral infection (plasma cell stomatitis).

What is plasma cell pododermatitis in cats?

Plasma Cell Pododermatitis (Pillow Foot) in Cats – Veterinary Partner – VIN Easy to recognize but not as easy to understand, this condition is often called pillow foot in cats for reasons that are obvious. This condition is described as rare. Most cats do not require treatment.

What does it mean when a cat’s paws turn pink?

If Ginger’s paw pads have suddenly turned pink or purplish, take a good look at them. Look for signs such as redness or swelling, small solid masses, discharge or inflammation of the tissue around her nail. Although unusual, a cat’s paws can become inflamed from a condition known as pododermatitis, otherwise known as pillow foot.

What does it mean when a cat has a swollen Paw?

Autoimmune conditions can affect different parts of the body when they flare up. Pillow Paw in cats is a foot pad disease. Excess plasma is produced and the padding of the paw becomes soft, swollen and inflamed. Cats of any age, gender or breed can develop pillow foot.

What should I do if my cat has pillow foot?

If you suspect your cat has pillow foot, bring it to a veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible. If this problem is left untreated, secondary infections may develop. The issue can be very painful in advanced cases, leaving the cat with puffed-up paws that are tender to touch.

How do you know if your cat has a pillow pad infection?

You must consult a veterinarian if your cat develops pillow paw symptoms. He may be able to diagnose the condition just by examining the paws of the feet. To be sure of his visual diagnosis, he may decide to do a biopsy of the infected pad.

What to do if your cat has a paw pad infection?

If so, there is so much you can do to give your cat fast relief from a cat paw pad infection. Conventional veterinary care is very limited in what it can prescribe for cats with pillow foot – primarily steroids and antibiotics.

Why is my cat limping on her feet?

Foot and nail injuries are another common cause of cat limping. Glass, splinters, and other sharp objects can cut your cat’s paw, or become lodged in the pads of your cat’s feet, causing limping.

How do I know if my cat has a limp?

You might notice your cat limping or slowing down. He may have trouble going upstairs and downstairs and might be reluctant to jump up. He may have an abnormal gait (the way his back legs move when he walks), or the position of his back legs when he stands may look different.

What are the risks of pillow paws disease in cats?

Failure to treat pillow paw disease can lead to secondary infections and lameness. The cat’s foot pads may even need to be completely removed. Further complicating the matter is the issue of related illnesses.

What is a ‘Pillow Paw’ in cats?

Pillow paw might sound funny — imagine a cat walking around with pillows for paws — but it’s no laughing matter for the suffering feline. The correct term is feline plasma cell pododermatitis, and you should seek immediate veterinary help if you suspect your cat has it.