Topic 8: MISCELLANEOUS IMMUNE-MEDIATED DISEASES: P-53 Histopathologic evaluation of feline plasmacytic pododermatitis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histopathologic changes seen in feline plasmacytic pododermatitis in an attempt to correlate clinical response with any specific histopathologic feature, and to evaluate these specimens for possible infectious organisms. Fourteen skin biopsies from cats with plasmacytic pododermatitis and a clinical follow-up of 12-36 months were included in the study. Sections were stained with H&E as well as with a polyclonal anti-Mycobacterium bovis [Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG)] antibody cross-reactive to a broad spectrum of fungi and bacteria. Sections stained with the anti-BCG antibody were graded as positive or negative. Inflammatory cell types and density, overall pattern, and the presence or involvement of adnexal structures were assessed in sections stained with H&E. All sections were negative for organisms within the actual footpad tissue with the anti-BCG antibody stains. Two samples revealed a few foci of cocci on the outer surface of the ulcers. Funding: Self-funded.