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Plasma cell pododermatitis with chronic footpad hemorrhage in two cats
1Animal Hospital of North Asheville, NC 28804.
Insights
Plasma cell pododermatitis in cats causes enlarged, ulcerated footpads. Immunosuppressive corticosteroid treatment significantly reduced footpad size in affected felines.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Plasma cell pododermatitis is a rare condition affecting feline footpads.
- The exact etiology of this immune-mediated or allergic disease remains unknown.
Observation:
- Two cats presented with enlarged metacarpal and metatarsal footpads.
- Ulceration and chronic hemorrhage were noted in one affected footpad.
- One cat exhibited anemia with a packed cell volume (PCV) of 14.6%.
Findings:
- Surgical debridement and suturing were performed to control hemorrhage.
- Treatment with immunosuppressive corticosteroid doses led to significant reduction in footpad size within 3-4 weeks for both cats.
Implications:
- Corticosteroids appear effective in managing clinical signs of plasma cell pododermatitis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying cause of this condition.
- Understanding the pathogenesis may lead to more targeted therapies for feline footpad diseases.
Abstract:
Plasma cell pododermatitis was diagnosed in 2 cats with enlargement of the metacarpal and metatarsal footpads, ulceration of one of the affected footpads, and a history of chronic hemorrhage from the ulcerations. One cat was anemic (PCV, 14.6%). The ulcers were debrided and sutured to control hemorrhage, and the cats were treated with immunosuppressive doses of corticosteroids. Both cats had considerable reduction in footpad size after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment. Although there is evidence to suggest that plasma cell pododermatitis might be immune-mediated, or perhaps an allergic disease, the cause has yet to be determined.