Overview
All sport product are chosen at the free will of the GreatPetCare editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author or reviewer .
Pillow foot is rarefied in CT , but it can cause significant discomfort and pain . While the stipulation is generally mild and non - painful in other stage , if left untreated , it can quick progress in rigour . Read on to learn more about pillow foot in cats , include why it develop , symptoms pet parent may acknowledge , and useable treatment options .
What Is Pillow Foot in Cats?
Pillow foot ( also have sex as plasma cell pododermatitis ) refer to inflammation of the paw pads due the presence of high-pitched issue of plasm cells . These inflammatory cadre respond to various stimulus , such asallergensor bacteria , that a cat may come into physical contact with . Sometimes this response can be overweening and lead to puffiness . Typically , more than one paw pad is affect , but in rarefied caseful , preferent parents may detect just one egotistic pad . In the former stage , this swelling is non - painful , but the condition worsens over clock time , make significant pain and discomfort .
Pillow foot affects hombre of all long time and breeds . Cats with underlying viral diseases , such asfeline leukaemia virus(FeLV ) andfeline immunodeficiency virus(FIV ) , are thought to be at a high risk of break the condition .
Causes of Pillow Foot in Cats
The accurate cause of cat pillow foot is unknown . The most unremarkably accepted reason this condition develop is due to an immune - liaise chemical reaction . This means that the cat ’s resistant scheme overreacts and high numbers of plasm electric cell collect in the paw inking pad , which lead to puff up .
The immune arrangement can be arouse by the pursual :
Signs of Pillow Foot in Cats
Pillow infantry get a wide range of signs , with the most classifiable being red , swollen mitt pads . It ’s also significant to mention that there are many other conditions that cause swelling of the paw pads , so best-loved parents should always bring affect cats to a vet to determine the underlying cause .
Other characteristic symptoms include the pursuit :
Cats with pillow foot may also have signs of concurrent illness , such askidney disease , which could admit increased thirst and urination , regurgitation , and diminish appetite . Mouth sores may also be present .
Diagnosing Pillow Foot in Cats
Pillow foot in qat is name using a compounding of tests . First , a veterinarian perform a physical exam to identify freakishness of the foot pad and collects information from the pet parent about their cat ’s behaviors and when symptoms began . Blood is collected to check for high levels of inflammatory cells or grounds of underlie infection , such as FIV or FeLV .
A sample of jail cell is hire from the affected paw pad(s ) using a small needle and test under the microscope . This subroutine may cause mild discomfort for cat , but it is helpful for key out high-pitched figure of plasma cell to diagnose pillow metrical unit . It is also utilitarian to rule out other condition that can look exchangeable . A more accurate diagnosis can be made by taking a biopsy , which consists of surgically removing a small piece of paw pad . This in the main ask drugging to check the cat remain still and free from soreness . The sample is air to a specialised laboratory for recognition .
Pillow Foot in Cats Treatment
Some Caterpillar with pillow foot improve on their own , particularly if they have only mild symptoms . However , in most cases , treatment is necessary and may include medicament , surgery , or a combination of both .
Medications for Pillow Foot in Cats
Your veterinarian may prescribe a medicine calleddoxycyclineto goody pillow foot in your cat . Doxycycline is a eccentric of antibiotic that treats infection and reduces inflammation consort with plasma cell pododermatitis . It is normally given by mouth double day by day . However , because this medication has been linked with esophageal stricture ( narrowing of the gullet ) in cats , preferent parent should ensure their cats wassail body of water after receiving it . Other medications that conquer the immune system , such ascyclosporine , can also be given by word of mouth to treat this stipulation . Injectable or oral steroids may also be helpful .
Your veterinarian can determine the best type of medication to fulfill your cat ’s specific needs . handling may extend for several months . Always be sure to give the prescribed medications exactly as directed for the best handling result .
It is important to follow up with your veterinarian while your cat is receiving treatment to identify any side effects of the medications and to square off when handling can be block . In rare cases , some cats may have lapse throughout their life , which require extra medications .
Home Remedies for Pillow Foot in Cats
It is not recommended to try any abode remedies for pillow foot in Caterpillar . Since this experimental condition is probably due to an hyperactive immune system , specific prescription medications are want for resolution . Trying home remedy before seeking veterinary guidance can check appropriate treatment and cause worsening of symptoms .
Cost to Treat
Pet parents can await to pay $ 20 to $ 40 per month for steroid intervention , while cyclosporine can range from $ 30 to $ 200 per calendar month , depending on the brand . ( Generic medications cost much less than brand name products . )
If your true cat requires surgery and hospitalization , cost can browse between $ 300 and $ 600 or more , depending on how many paw lodgings are involve and how your cat does during recovery . Most cats are sent home on medicine , such as antibiotic and anti - inflammatories , to reduce swelling and prevent infection .
How to Prevent Pillow Foot in Cats
Because the exact causal agency of pillow foot in cats is unknown , it is hard to determine what to do to preclude this condition . If it is truly immune - mediate , there is nothing favourite parent can do to prevent it from developing in their cats . However , see to it you are bringing your cat to the veterinary surgeon for even preventative care can help detect any problems early and keep them as healthy as possible .
Related Conditions
Pillow invertebrate foot is a singular disease , but other atmospheric condition may have similar changes to the hand lodgings . These include the followers :
