FC‐23 Feline plasma cell pododermatitis: a retrospective study of 26 cases

Abstract

Feline plasma cell pododermatitis is a rare dermatological condition exclusively described in cats. Our objective was to report a retrospective study of 26 cats with plasma cell pododermatitis. Neutered males were overrepresented (19 cases), and 25 cases were Domestic Short‐haired cats. Age at time of diagnosis was 6 months to 12 years. The primary complaint was painful lameness (22 cases), poor condition (two cases) or excessive salivation (two cases). Lesions were present primarily in the metatarsal and metacarpal footpads and rarely in the digital footpads. One, two or four feet were involved. Clinical signs included swelling (35 footpads), softening (36 footpads), exfoliation (19 footpads), ulcers (nine footpads) and abscesses (nine footpads). Two cats had plasma cell stomatitis, and general signs were observed in all cases. Sixteen cats were FIV positive and one cat was FeLV positive. Histopathological findings were characterized by a superficial and deep perivascular lymphoplasmacytic dermatitis (two cases), an almost pure diffuse plasmacytic dermatitis (15 cases, 10 FIV positive), a diffuse plasmacytic dermatitis with lymphocytes grouped in follicular structures (four cases, all FIV positive) and a granulomatous inflammation (five cases, one FIV positive). Plasmacytic infiltration was also observed in one FIV‐positive case within the kidneys, liver and lungs. Five cases were positive for FIV‐PCR performed from lesional skin biopsies. Two cats were euthanatized. Twenty‐four cats were treated by surgical excision with no relapse for 1–5 years. Feline plasma cell pododermatitis can be considered a cutaneous reaction pattern with multiple causes, and FIV infection may be a predisposing factor. Funding: Self‐funded.