Paw pads growing thick keratin? Hyperkeratosis?

[PingPongBros]

My 3 year old male cat has been growing this strange keratin on all of his paw pads since he was about 4 months old. It grows continuously. It’s super hard like fingernails. He’s been to the vet for it and we trim it down when it gets too long. The vet doesn’t know exactly what it is, has never seen it on a cat. The vet consulted with other vets and they had never seen it. Their only guess is hyperkeratosis. Does anyone else have a cat with this on its paw pads?

 

[Desti]

Hi! I've never seen this before, I'm sorry. Is your kitty having any difficulty walking? I read that with humans it usually is caused by some irritation to the skin. Or, it could be an inherited condition?
I hope that your kitty gets better very soon.

 

[PingPongBros]

Thanks for your thoughts. It doesn’t seem to hurt him. I wish it would get better but it doesn’t seem to and the vet said it never would.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi! Have any of the vets discussed the possibility of doing a biopsy of the paw pad material? It is my understanding this is the way to diagnose hyperkeratosis - and, if they think it is immune related it can be treated with immunosuppressive drugs. Perhaps, one of the vets can consult with one that specializes in dermatology as a starting point?

 

[dkd150]

My 3 year old male cat has been growing this strange keratin on all of his paw pads since he was about 4 months old. It grows continuously. It’s super hard like fingernails. He’s been to the vet for it and we trim it down when it gets too long. The vet doesn’t know exactly what it is, has never seen it on a cat. The vet consulted with other vets and they had never seen it. Their only guess is hyperkeratosis. Does anyone else have a cat with this on its paw pads?View attachment 319258View attachment 319259View attachment 319260

Yes my cat has the exact same thing. He is going to get a biopsy done in the next week or so. Results will take 2-3 weeks. His name is Shakes and he lived w a homeless person for 4 months b4 I was able to acquire him. I’m hopeful it is a reaction to a fungus or bacteria but that is just a guess on my part. I know it will qualify as a type of eosinophils pododermatitis which can have many manifestations including hyperkeratosis.

 

[dkd150]

My 3 year old male cat has been growing this strange keratin on all of his paw pads since he was about 4 months old. It grows continuously. It’s super hard like fingernails. He’s been to the vet for it and we trim it down when it gets too long. The vet doesn’t know exactly what it is, has never seen it on a cat. The vet consulted with other vets and they had never seen it. Their only guess is hyperkeratosis. Does anyone else have a cat with this on its paw pads?View attachment 319258View attachment 319259View attachment 319260

Yes my cat has the exact same thing. He is going to get a biopsy done in the next week or so. Results will take 2-3 weeks. His name is Shakes and he lived w a homeless person for 4 months b4 I was able to acquire him. I’m hopeful it is a reaction to a fungus or bacteria but that is just a guess on my part. I know it will qualify as a type of eosinophils pododermatitis

 

[Bascatmom]

My 3 year old male cat has the same issue started at age 2. I thought it was just dry skin until the cracking of the paw pads started. Moisturizing the pads wasn't enough. Scaling also started to appear on ears as well. Consulted my veterinarian and a veterinary dermatologist. We are doing a 12 week course of doxycycline which actually helps with the immune system. Dermatologist thinks its a form of pododermatitis or a keritinization disorder. Seeing some improvement on week 6 of treatment. Rechecking with dermatologist in May.

 

[neely]

Dermatologist thinks its a form of pododermatitis or a keritinization disorder.

I definitely agree and glad you saw a veterinary dermatology specialist. I thought a few of these threads with similar photos might have some helpful information for you:
Paws symptoms
Plasma cell pododermatitis? Paw pad hyperkeratosis? Allergies?
Plasma cell pododermatitis OR pemphigus folacious??

I'm glad you're seeing some improvement with treatment. Please keep us updated after his recheck appointment.

 

[Popcorn13]

Hi, my 9 year old cat just started getting this on her paws a few months ago. My vet says it’s hyperkeratosis and wants to do blood work and a biopsy (which I can’t afford right now) and she put her on Animax ointment 2x a day. This seems to help slow it down and clear it up if done constantly. Her toes get really bad but the vet is able to peel it off. I let her do it as it could cause bleeding which could lead to infection. Guess it could be a life long thing. Here is a before and after of one paw….

 

[neely]

P Popcorn13 Welcome to TCS! Since the Original Poster started this thread three years ago they may no longer be checking it. However, this article about pododermatitis in cats may have some helpful information for you regarding treatment:
Pododermatitis in Cats - Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

 

[Popcorn13]

View attachment 374024View attachment 374025
My 3 year old male cat has the same issue started at age 2. I thought it was just dry skin until the cracking of the paw pads started. Moisturizing the pads wasn't enough. Scaling also started to appear on ears as well. Consulted my veterinarian and a veterinary dermatologist. We are doing a 12 week course of doxycycline which actually helps with the immune system. Dermatologist thinks its a form of pododermatitis or a keritinization disorder. Seeing some improvement on week 6 of treatment. Rechecking with dermatologist in May.

Did you find out what this was? My cat has Sam issues!

 

[fionasmom]

This member has also not been back in almost two years, so you may not get a reply.