Bad case of calcinosis cutis

[admin]

Sorry – see my note on the 4th link – zinc oxide is an absolute no no as it is poisonous to dogs if ingested – zinc can cause AIHA

[Vally]

Sheena. You’ve got the best memory. I couldn’t remember Maggies name! I found an archive searching Robert, Maggie, Vetnet and calcinosis but there was no information as to treatment on that page and it kept going back to the same page. I’ll keep trying that. If you could find Robert’s contact, that would be great.

[Devin]

Thank you SO much Sheena! I will definitely look into all those sites, I appreciate so much all your help. I took Jackson to his vet today and she said while his case is certainly not good, she has seen another case of calcinosis cutis that was much much worse than his. This made me feel a little better thinking that maybe I see it as being worse than it is. We are continuing an antibiotic for him, Cipro, and we are going to start something called DMSO for his skin which the vet said will take the calcium being pushed out of his skin and put it back into his blood. I believe it is a topical gel and we are going to start with a small area first to make sure he has no reaction. After this we might try to decrease his Pred and start him on Cyclosporine instead because he is having such strong side effects from the Pred. The vet did inform me that because he has had such a bad calcinosis cutis reaction that he should never go on Prednisone or like drugs in the future because he can have another strong break out even quicker next time. Other than that she was pretty pleased with his progress, so good news there!

Thanks again to everyone!

[admin]

Hi Devin

I really think dropping the pred will help too, but it’s so difficult getting the fine balance of not dropping it too quickly or too much. Maybe you can also lower or drop the azathioprine later on when the cyclosporine starts it’s job & his PCV will come up even more. Worzel only takes one a week now & we noticed good PCV improvement with each azathioprine drop (we reduced it over a year period – cowardly Sheena). Hearing your vet is happy about his progess is wonderful news – just what we want to hear. Keep it going Jackson!

Patrice has found something really good for you as well – apparently gout medicine can help. That does make a lot of sense actually.
http://www.dogstuff.info/calcinosis_cutis_lanting.html
(Hope – can you read this too – there is a reference to the unique Dalamation breed – true urate gout – & it might be useful for Mr Steve)

Reading you message, I think I am wrong about DHEA – I think it was DMSO, but like Vally, I can’t get any information on this chap’s dog & I don’t have his e-mail address – I have searched everywhere – sorry about that. I think the DMSO is a great idea & I hope it does the trick – please let us know how he’s doing.

Good luck with the new treatment – keep in touch
Sheena, Worzel & Ollie

[Vally]

Devin, hoping the DMSO helps. Sounds as though the vet was happy with Jackson though, so that’s great news.

How about a picture of your boy? You can use the Upload Your Photo on the right.

My best, Vally & Bingo

[admin]

Hi Devin and Jackson – just a note to say we’re thinking of you both.

Love, Linda and Sadie

[Devin]

I will let you all know how he does with the DMHO. I uploaded his photo, hopefully it worked!

I am really hoping the Cipro works fast, he is starting to get really stinky! Thanks again to everyone for all the help and support!

Devin & Jackson

[Vally]

Oh Devin, Jackson is gorgeous.

Vally & Bingo