How to Test for Pillow Foot in Cats
Pillow foot in cats, clinically known as feline plasma cell pododermatitis, is a rare but manageable disease that affects the paw pads. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and long-term management. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of how this condition is tested and diagnosed in felines.
Understanding Pillow Foot
This condition is marked by:
- Swelling of one or multiple paw pads (usually more than one)
- Soft, puffy texture of the pads
- Pink or purple discoloration often with white lines
- Possible ulceration or bleeding in severe cases
- Lameness or changes in gait due to discomfort
Though it can affect cats of any age, breed, or gender, it is more commonly seen in neutered male domestic cats.
Clinical Diagnosis
The first step in testing for pillow foot is a thorough clinical examination by a veterinarian. Vets typically look for:
- Characteristic appearance of the pads: mushy, swollen, reddish or purple tones
- Patterns—more than one foot usually involved
- Behavioral signs like limping or licking of paws
If pillow foot is suspected, further diagnostic steps are required to confirm the condition and rule out other possibilities.
Diagnostic Techniques
- Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology: A non-invasive method involving the aspiration of cells from the affected pads using a fine needle. Under a microscope, the sample reveals plasma cell infiltration, which is the hallmark of pillow foot.
- Biopsy: If cytology is inconclusive or deeper tissue analysis is needed, a small section of paw pad is surgically removed and examined histologically for high plasma cell count and inflammation.
- Blood Tests: These are conducted to analyze the immune profile of the cat, often revealing elevated globulin levels and unusual lymphocyte counts.
- Viral Screening: Tests for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are recommended. Up to 63% of affected cats have tested positive for FIV.
Differential Diagnosis
Before confirming plasma cell pododermatitis, veterinarians must rule out other conditions that cause localized swelling or pain in the paw pads:
- Tumors
- Insect bites or stings
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Eosinophilic granuloma complex
These conditions usually affect a single pad, contrasting with pillow foot which generally involves multiple pads symmetrically.
Associated Symptoms
Beyond swollen paw pads, other less common symptoms may present, such as:
- Stomatitis (mouth inflammation)
- Upper respiratory infections
- Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)
- Fever or lethargy
- Glomerulonephritis in rare cases involving immune-mediated kidney inflammation
Importance of Early Detection
Early diagnosis facilitates timely and effective treatment that can relieve discomfort and prevent further complications. Symptoms may fluctuate seasonally, hinting at a potential role for food or environmental allergies.
Veterinary Follow-Up
Regular follow-up visits are necessary for cats diagnosed with pillow foot to:
- Monitor progression or resolution of swelling
- Assess treatment response to medications like doxycycline or corticosteroids
- Adjust therapy in the event of relapse or side effects
Conclusion
Testing for pillow foot in cats involves a combination of clinical evaluation, cytological or histological confirmation, and blood and viral testing. While it may look alarming, many cases respond well to medication, especially with early diagnosis and consistent veterinary care. Combined with appropriate therapy and monitoring, affected cats often enjoy a good quality of life.
