Feline Plasma Cell Pododermatitis (PCP)
Key takeaways
Feline pododermatitis (also known as plasma cell pododermatitis, or PCP) is a rare disease that causes inflammation of the paw pads.
- Symptoms include swollen paw pads, criss-crossed by white lines, and open or healed sores that bleed, become ulcerated, or get infected
- The affected toes are usually painful and cause lameness or difficulty walking
- The exact cause has not been proven, but it is thought to be an overreaction of the immune system
- Diagnosis is made based on improvement in response to therapy, but sometimes a biopsy of the paw pad is necessary
- The primary treatment is doxycycline
- Most cases respond well to treatment and carry a good prognosis, but relapses are common
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A closer look: Feline Plasma Cell Pododermatitis (PCP)
Clinical signs of PCP range from mild, barely noticeable swelling and discoloration, to severe, bloody, ulcerated, and painful sores with secondary infections. Any or all limbs may be affected, but it is rare for only one foot to develop pododermatitis.
Many cases of PCP do not have symptoms beyond swelling and sores on the affected paw pads. Some cases may have other signs of immune system activation.
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Risk factors
PCP is rare in cats. It is painful, but does not present a life-threatening emergency. PCP often occurs concurrently with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), so a thorough diagnostic approach is advised for any cat showing symptoms of PCP.
Possible causes
The exact cause of PCP in cats is unknown, but it appears to be an immune system dysfunction. With PCP, plasma cells (a type of immune cell) accumulate within the pad tissue. This leads to swelling, loss of pigment, and open sores. Secondary bacterial and fungal infections are common complications of PCP.
Although PCP is related to an overactive immune system, approximately 50% of cats with PCP are diagnosed with feline immunodeficiency virus, which suppresses the immune system. The mechanism behind this paradox is unknown.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms associated with PCP are:
- Swollen, puffy paw pads
- White lines on the paw pads
- Loss of pigment on the paw pads
- Sores on the paw pads
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnostic tests for PCP include:
- Physical examination
- Bloodwork
- Cytology
- Biopsy
Steps to Recovery
Treatment of PCP is directed at relieving pain and swelling as well as eliminating any secondary infections. Doxycycline has both immunomodulating and antibiotic properties, so it’s a common choice for first-line treatment.
If the swelling does not respond to doxycycline, other immunosuppressive medications may be used. In cases with secondary infections, more specific antibiotics and antifungal medications may be necessary. Surgery may also be beneficial in severe cases.
The overall prognosis for recovering from symptoms of PCP is good, but relapses are common, especially when treatment is discontinued. Some cases of PCP may go away on their own without treatment.
Prevention
PCP is not contagious to humans or to other animals. Since it may be indicative of FIV or FeLV, taking steps to protect cats from contracting these viruses may help to prevent future development of PCP.
Is Feline Plasma Cell Pododermatitis (PCP) common?
PCP is a rare feline condition.
Typical Treatment
- Oral doxycycline
- Immunosuppressive medications
- Surgery -Treatment of underlying conditions
