A granuloma is a solid grouping of inflammatory cells coming together in a solid structure. An eosinophil is a type of white blood cell that is commonly associated with allergic responses or with parasitism. Finding eosinophils in tissue suggests allergic disease usually whereas finding increased eosinophil numbers in a blood sample more commonly suggest parasitism. Sometimes proliferations grow from the actual footpads where they ulcerate as the cat is forced to walk on them. There is some tendency for this condition to occur in adolescent kittens though it can occur at any age. The eosinophilic granuloma complex represents a disorder of eosinophil function. The eosinophil's real job is to attack parasites. In cats with eosinophilic granuloma complex, eosinophils are called to the site of an allergic response and the biochemicals released cause damage to local collagen. For more:
http://www.vin.com/PetCare/Articles/...tal/M00726.htm
http://www.vetinfo.com/ceosinophilic.html
http://www.skinvet.com/eosinophilic_granuloma.htm
Marie