My cat has a rough growth on her paw nail, but moves fine. What to do?

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I have seen some cats develop long horny type growths on their paw pads. Possible causes are: papilloma or squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease), both caused by papillomavirus. Excision or treatment with imiquimod, retioid cream, or salicylic acid should be effective. If it doesn't bother Spooky, it most likely won't hurt to leave it alone (unless it becomes more malignant in behavior). It could also be benign hyperkertinized growths. They may need to be managed with sanding dows and or clipping regularly. You can also try Kerasol which is OTC or Snout Soother by American Dog co to help keep them soft. You can apply this 1-2 times daily. It may be best to have your Vet see the area first! Good luck

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This could even be an abscess. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. Usually this unfortunately cannot be treated at home since we do not know what it is. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

This looks like a cutaneous horn which is a keratin growth from the paw pad. I would consider having this removed and having the growth sent for histopathology as it could be benign or caused by cancerous process.

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It’s difficult to tell for sure what’s going on without examining Timmy myself, but from the appearance of that discharge in the photo I’m concerned Timmy may have an infection in that nail bed. This could happen after trauma, or if he punctured his foot on something sharp. I recommend having Timmy seen by a vet, as he may need a course of antibiotics. It’s also possible he has a mass growing on that toe, but that would be considered less likely at his young age. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to be 100% from the picture but it looks like she is missing a toe or has had some previous trauma to that paw. If she is eating and isn't limping then it could be normal for her. If your neighbor is planning on adopting her and caring for her long term she will need a Vet visit to be dewormed, vaccinated and spayed. The Vet can check out the paw. I wish you the best!

Hi there. It looks like Mae ripped off her nail while she was out and about. There isn't much to do for that other than let the nail grow back. If she'll tolerate it, you can try soaking her feet in warm water with some epsom salts sprinkled in, this can be very soothing. Otherwise, I think you are fine to just monitor at home and see the vet if there are any changes. I hope that helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Domino evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!