Ask the expert… Mar-Apr 2008

Dr. K. G. Umesh (MVSc, MSc (UK)) is a Postgraduate in Clinical Medicine. He is working for WALTHAM as Regional Associate for South Asia.
Q: My cat’s paws from under (pads) seem to be swollen.
What could be the reason for that?
– Abhishek (Bangalore)
Dr. K. G. Umesh: It is multifaceted complex of diseases that involve the feet singly or involving all limbs. The causes include infectious, allergic, autoimmune, hormonal and tumours etc.
It may also result from trauma or fight with other cats. Check whether any foreign body trapped between digits (fingerbreadths). Treatments like foot soaks, hot packing, and/or bandaging may be necessary depending on the cause. Success of therapy depends on finding the underlying cause.  When the cause is unknown, management can be frustrating owing to relapses or the disease can only be managed but not cured.  Take him to your vet immediately for complete examination. Surgical intervention is sometimes the only option.