Hello everyone! I’m new to the forum and (unfortunately) also new to Cushing’s and Calcinosis Cutis. I’ve found so much useful info on this site that has helped me keep my sanity through the last month & has helped me make informed decisions for my “little boy in a dog suit”. I thought I’d start a thread so maybe some of the things I learn during this journey will help another dog parent.
A while back, my 12 year old pit bull, Chulo, exhibited what I thought were symptoms of Cushing’s (excessive appetite/thirst, accidents in the house, thinning fur, muscle loss) so I had him tested. His tests came back negative so I chalked it up to old age and thought I’d have him rechecked at his semi-annual wellness check.
Right before his wellness check, he developed two large scaly spots on his shoulders and immediately began scratching both non-stop. His vet put him on antibiotics and prednisone but referred him to NC State’s dermatology department when the patches began spreading and his overall appearance & well-being quickly deteriorated.
During that two weeks, he lost weight (he’s down to 70 pounds from around 90), his muscles wasted (even his little face became sunken almost like a skeleton), and the skin infection spread and became very infected despite antibiotics. I was scared to death that every day would be his last.
NC State tested him for Cushing’s (he was positive) and confirmed that the patches were Calcinosis Cutis. They started him on 60 mg of Vetoryl (30 mg twice a day), 600 mg of Gabupentin (300mg twice a day), 150 mg Tramadol (75 mg twice a day), 600 mg Clindamyacin (300 mg twice a day), and also prescribed a daily bleach wash (I mix ¼ tsp of bleach with 1 cup water and spray on the oozing/infected calcinosis spots).
They did tell me the calcinosis would get worse before it got better and it definitely has – he now has spots on his head, neck, back, sides, back legs, and rear but they don’t seem nearly as severe as the spots that appeared prior to him starting treatment.
He has good days and bad – most days his appetite is good and he’s playful but some days he picks at his food and needs to be carried up the steps. I do think we’re on the right track and am so thankful I found this site!
We head back to NC State for his follow-up ACTH Stimulation test on Wednesday so hopefully we’ll find that his levels are improving!