My dog was treated with cortisone and an antibiotic for a tick-borne infection. He subsequently developed calcifications on his back on both sides of the spine. He also has calcified nodules on his elbows and paw pads, and his ability to walk and run is impaired. Have you heard of any case like his? If so, how was it treated?
Calcinosis cutis is a disorder in which calcium is abnormally deposited in and beneath the skin. There are a number of known causes, including excessive levels of cortisol (a steroid hormone), skin infection, trauma, primary skin tumors, inflammatory and degenerative conditions, and kidney and other metabolic problems. Sometimes calcinosis cutis arises without an identifiable cause. It only affects dogs infrequently; when it occurs, mostly young, large-breed dogs are affected.
The abnormal calcium deposits of calcinosis cutis may be localized or spread throughout the body. Local calcium deposition usually is associated with trauma and other local injurious processes; disseminated or generalized calcification usually results from excessive cortisol levels. These abnormal levels may arise from primary or secondary adrenal and other endocrine disorders or from long-term or excessive administration of glucocorticoid steroids, including cortisone. In dogs, excessive cortisol levels are usually responsible for calcinosis cutis. The skin over the calcium deposits may ulcerate.
The lesions of calcinosis cutis are diagnosed with a physical exam, bloodwork, and radiographs (x-rays). No medication is predictably helpful in treating the condition; there has been some success using topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) under veterinary guidance. Upon withdrawal of steroids any associated ulcers may heal in two to 12 months. Surgical excision of the calcified lesions may be appropriate, especially if the calcium deposits disrupt normal function.
04/03/01
