The term pododermatitis is used to describe a complex of inflammatory diseases involving the feet.   The potential etiologies are numerous and include:

1. Infectious diseases (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic)
2. Allergic dermatoses (contact allergy, food allergy, inhalant allergy)
3. Eosinophilic granuloma complex
4. Immune mediated inflammation  (plasma cell pododermatitis, pemphigus)
5. Tumors
6. Environmental causes (burns, frostbite)
7. Systemic illnesses
8. Genetic disorders
9. Behavioral problems (nail chewing)

            Diagnosis begins with a thorough history that includes specific information about the cat’s environment, duration of and changes in clinical signs, current medications, exposure to irritants or extreme temperatures, possible trauma, other pets with similar symptoms, known illnesses, previous treatment(s) and the outcome(s), and any systemic clinical signs.       

     Next a thorough physical examination is performed, sometimes with the patient sedated if the foot is painful or a foreign body is suspected.  This thorough physical examination and history will narrow the focus for more specific testing. The initial testing may include:

°    Wood’s lamp exam

°    Fungal Culture

°    Skin Scrapings

°    Cytology

°    FeLV/FIV testing

°    Complete Blood Count

°    Metabolic Profile

°    Allergy testing & Food Trials

Ultimately, biopsy of affected tissue is often the key to diagnosing the underlying etiology.  Referral to a veterinary dermatologist may be recommended if the diagnosis remains elusive.  Treatment will be determined by the underlying etiology and may also include symptomatic care such as gently cleaning the paw, pain medication and control of inflammation and secondary infections if present.

     The prognosis for pododermatitis is dependent on finding and treating the underlying etiology.  Some conditions respond well to specific therapy, others can be managed but not cured and some are very challenging to manage. The combination of a good history, physical examination and laboratory testing is the best hope for developing the best treatment plan for each patient.