Calcinosis Cutis and Cushings (Peety has passed)

Hey Pat: Just hang in there until the vet gets Peety on medication to lower his cortisol and the calcinosis will probably get better. Some of the pups on this forum have had the calcinosis leave and are only left with the scars and plaques. I just try to take things day by day and try to treat whatever is bothering CoCo the most and I will be so happy with every little progress he makes. Hope you and Peety have a good day. CoCo gets us up at 3:00 a.m., so our days start early, but that is okay, we just go with the flow. Love, JoAnne

Thanks Sharlene and JoAnne I appreciate your encouraging words. I just stopped by my groomer to see if she would still groom him. (Well, that's a slight overstatement since he has very lil hair). But I mainly want his face and beard and nails trimmed. No bath just real simple. I told her she would be shocked to see how bad he has gotten. But she said she was ok with it and I told her to let me know if not and I would understand. He just needs to be prettied up abit. She was very encouraging and we cried together because she has been his groomer for about 7-8 yrs and she has always bragged at how beautiful he was with his long flowing perfectly groomed hair. She even told me once I should give lessons to Shi-Tzu owners that bring their pups in very matted and tangled. I have always taken great pains with his hair. I decided if it's gonna be long it has to be mat free and so we brush everyday, or did anyway. And he loved the pampering.

So we groom on Tuesday next week. I am so excited for him to be pampered, by people that really love him.

Anyway she was telling me about all the Cushing pups she has seen, over the years but never the CC. I am surprised at all the Cushing parents I have seen on this forum. And it is such a blessing to be able to share information and good and bad days. Thanks so much, Peety and I are so grateful.

JoAnne are you using a topical cream on his bad area? And is it improving or just not getting any worse? Cuz Peety has a couple of bad places, not greatly improved but not getting worse either. May just be the nature of the disease.

you guys have a great TGIF and weekend.

Pat Peety's#1 fan

Is coat was definitely beautiful and I hope that one day it will be again.
I'm thinking a puppy cut might work for him? A different look for sure, but with the cc, it might be more comfortable while still letting him look uniform. Molly dances around after she gets a puppy cut. She's a definite fan of her's. :) You can either leave the beard full or cut it back on the chin. I've tried both. Right now she has the little lion face, but I think I like the beard cut back to puppy style too.
Have a good weekend!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hey Pat: CoCo only has about 4 or 5 calcium deposits on his tail so I have not really treated them with anything other than when I put antibiotic cream on his foreskin where he has a sore I put the cream on his tail. The bumps have been there about 3 months and have not changed. He has a sore on his foreskin that we have been trying to heal for about two months I think and has a broken toenail that is very painful so we have to keep the cone on him so he does not lick. I feel so bad for these sweet puppies, but just have to keep trying to help them. I know Peety will look beautiful when he is groomed. His hair is so beautiful. CoCo is a mini-dachshund and had beautiful sleek black hair, but it is about gone, but he does not know it, he is still prissy. Have a good night and weekend. Love, JoAnne

Today is Thurs and thought I would update where we are at this point. Still have not tested yet, testing on the 13th. Overall we are doing pretty good. My groomer shaved him down this week because it was just to hard looking for new places that might get lost in his hair. Actually he has been loosing his hair anyway, so it really was the best thing to do for him as well as me. He looks like he is naked. I'm always asking him who stole his clothes. :) He actually doesn't look as bad as he did before the shave. Some long hair, some short hair. I can see everything at a glance and I know what needs extra care. and I know his hair will grow back.

I have started taking him to the beach and on the days we can't go, I bought some sea salt and I just make him a spa bath. He loves the extra pampering. I am really starting to see some improvement in his sores. Drying out alot. I am still giving him his daily vitamin and aloe vera in his food. He is eating good and playing and he is generally very happy. So guess what, mom's happier too.
We are completely off the BP meds. I have been doing research to see what part the meds may play with his calcium. I know it does have some affect. Still hoping he will be negative for Cushings. No real signs. I know there is something, just not sure what it will be. I am still believing that we can get past this and on to good health again.

We will continue doing research into more natural remedies. So far I think the saltwater is one of the best healing all natural remedies I have come across.

Hope everyone else is also having good days and good reports.

Pat Peety's #1 fan

Hey Pat: Glad Peety is doing better since he got his hair cut. I am sure he looks beautiful. CoCo still has the few on his tail, seems like they are looking a little worse and his hair seems to be coming off on the tip of his tail. The sore on his foreskin is healing. I know you will be glad when he is tested for Cushings, hopefully he won't have it. CoCo seems so boisterous lately. Barks at everyone he sees and seems to try to run everywhere. Maybe he is feeling good. Take care. Love, JoAnne

Hi Pat
Just wanted to say thanks for your support to Fella and I.This is such a great site!Good luck with your Peety!My golden used to have horrible draining hot spots and after trying everything with limited success,soaking them with salt water from the ocean was the only thing that worked!Thanks again for your kindness.
Love,
Patty

Hi, hows Peety doing? Still enjoying those spa baths? :) Hope his skin is starting to heal a bit. I know that he would just feel so much like himself if the itchy would just go away.

Hope all is well and you are enjoying some nice weather and beach time.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hey Pat: Glad Peety is enjoying is sea salt baths. The few spots on CoCo's tail seem to look better. I have been using organic coconut oil on him. Don't know if that is the reason. I think you said that is what up were using on Peety so I thought I would try it. The hair is still coming off, but seems like the bumps are smaller or I am just hopeful. Have a good weekend. Love, JoAnne

Hi everyone. Hope all your precious lil ones are doing great. I am going to try to upload some pictures of my lil guy so you can see what it is I am talking about with his skin. We are testing for Cushing's the 13th. But I am still believing for the best. He has really turned the corner in every way. He feels great, plays like there is no tomorrow and has a healthy appitite. I have no concerns there. The salt baths, (i.e. spa days) I think have made a difference. And the coconut oil and the vitamins. But I am amazed at the severity of this skin disease. I think it has finally stopped coming out. But the places are so unlike anything I have ever seen. I am just hoping an praying there is beautiful skin underneath somewhere just waiting to peek through any day now. But my heart is so full everyday that I can see him happy. He makes my day. And he knows I am doing my best. So let me see if I can get some pics on here for you to see.
The best to all of you, it's so nice to know you are there.

Pat, Peety's #1 fan

okay I uploaded the pics. They don't show up as bad as it really is, and maybe that is good. But at least you can see some of it.

Oh Peety. Is the black his skin on the top? His normal pigmentation I mean.
How does it seem? Do you think it is getting better? It does look so very uncomfortable for him.
Does the bumps seem to be getting smaller? Do you notice any new hairs trying to grow in?

It was funny, I'd gone upstairs to get ready for bed and suddenly had the thought of, Oh crud, I meant to write to you today. I got caught up in work yesterday and then answering threads tonight. I ran right back down here and found your thread. LOL ta da!!

Hang in there mom!!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi Sharlene thanks for thinking of us.

Peety's skin has turned black most all over. Even his stomach that was white and his PeePee has also turned black. Wierd I know, but so far no sores on his stomach or PeePee. There are places that still resemble his skin just black with hair. Then there are places that are very thick black and they have lil bumps that don't appear to be getting better or worse. No hair there at all. He continues to loose his hair in places that the pink/white skin still is, like his head has a hugh bald spot but it is still pinkish like his nornal skin. When I bathe him I try to rub the thickened areas being careful not to disturb but encourage the top skin to fall off if it is ready. I am truly baffled by this. I am hoping the Vet can shed some light on this when we go in Monday for the Cushing's test. Doesn't seem to be painful and he doesn't really scratch alot, but still wears a t-shirt and a cone just to prevent any possibility of him doing it.

Right now I am not stressed by the looks of it, because I mainly go by how he is feeling. If any of that changes that would cause alarm I am sure. But right now, I just keep him clean and I give him salt baths and massages and lots of love.:) And I keep a log with pictures to see what the progression of this disease it.
Everyday I hope I see just small amounts of improvement.
And everyday I do what I can and enjoy the love he gives me in return.

Hugs and blessings to you

Pat, Peety's #1 fan

oh poor Peety, I have never seen anything like that, hope the vet has answers for you soon...sending hugs to you Pat...

Hmm, it sort of looks like pictures of Black Skin Disease. There are several theories of what might cause it, such as hormonal imbalance, thyroid, food allergies, etc.
It is a symptom with another reason as the cause and can be mistaken for cushings (from what I have read) Not a lot seems to be known about it but it is something to speak with your vet about as a possibility.
It also does not seem to cause dogs much distress, unless it becomes itchy.

Hang in there! I know Peety in in excellent hands.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Sorry to post such awful pics. Calcinoisis Cutis is not pretty. I see him everyday so I am kinda ok with it. I have my days, when I just hold him and cry. I want my beautiful handsome boy with beautiful skin and long beautiful hair back. But still he is so sweet and his personality is so fun inspite of this horrible plague on his body. That is what I love about him. And I still think he is Beau-ti-ful :)

When I see the Vet Monday I will try to ask all the questions that cross my mind. Maybe it's not related to Cushing's and there is something else that I can do for him.

We all have something we are dealing with that we hate. I read all the posts and sometimes I cry because I know how much love each of you have for your lil ones. Thanks for all your support. I am so glad I found this community of big hearts.

Hugs to you and your lil ones.

Pat Peety's#1 fan.

Thanks, Sharlene, I am gonna research this right now. Never heard of black skin disease, but I found a site that has pictures. I'll let you know what I find out.

You're right Sharlene, it could be hormonal imbalance or hyperthyroidism as well as other things. Still need testing for Cushings's. Hoping my vet has heard of this black skin disease or Alopecia X. Interesting. Doesn't seem to affect their overall health. One site said that dogs develope their own "unique look" and certainly are just as loved. There is not an exact test for it, except to rule out other things. So we will add this to my list of questions.

I'll keep you posted. Thanks for that tip. Big hug....

Pat Peety's #1 fan

Hey Pat, thank you for sharing the photos, good or not it will help someone, he's still cute and a little fighter, sounds like he has lots of personality too..praying that they find some answers for your little peanut....and sorry if I reacted badly to the pictures, we all have something and it just makes me so sad for the pups, but boy are we getting the education of a lifetime, take care....

Hi Letti, Thanks for your words of encouragement. No, I absolutely did not think you reacted badly when you saw the pics. I know they are shocking and it is so disheartening to see. But you're right, people that see them might know of someone that is having the same issues. And we all want to help each other. So yes, we are all getting an education about many areas of illnss that can plague our lil ones.

We're dealing with it, and I think we are doing pretty good. At least I take my cue from Peety and I know he is really good right now. We'll see what the Cushing's test shows on Monday.

take care

Pat Peety's #1 fan

HI there

I am not much help with skin issues sorry, but I do want to send a big "PAW's UP" to Peety and hope you get some answers on how to manage this soon! :)

Tomorrow is the big day for Peety. Testing for Cushing's Ugh!!! Can anyone tell me what to expect for the next couple of days. I mean I know it's a blood test, but what else do they do. Will he be okay the next day? I just don't want him to have any down time and I am worried that he will not be his self. He is so happy now that I wish I could just not do it. I am afraid that he will change some how and I am very happy with the way he is now. Can anyone offer any thing comforting, so I am not up all night wondering why I am doing this?

It is possible that Petey might feel a bit "off" after the test tomorrow but it rarely lasts long and there is no permanent damage from the test. Just keep reminding yourself that this is the only real hope to get his skin under control before it gets worse, effecting his quality of life. I know it doesn't bother you nor seem to bother him a great deal just yet but CC can get very nasty if the cortisol isn't brought down. So even if, IF, he has a bit of a rough time for a little while following the test this is the path to better control.

We are all with you tomorrow and will be looking forward to hearing from you when you can post.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Yes, Sometimes you see an increase in things like, hunger, drinking, peeing after the test, but not always and it usually goes away within 48 hours to normal levels. So don't worry about that. Are you seeing the vet tomorrow too to ask about the black skin disease, etc?
We'll all be thinking of you tomorrow!
hugs,
Sharlene and MollyMuffin

Thanks Leslie and Sharlene, I have never seen anyone post what the test is like and what kinda efffect it has on them. So thanks for the heads up. And I do need some answers regarding his skin. It isn't outta control now but it could be next week. I do hope to see the Vet tomorrow, just for Q & A. So I will let you know what he thinks at this point. Tonight will be x-tra cuddling with my lil guy, and praying. Thanks so much for your support. And Happy Mother's Day to all the fur-mommies :)

Buddy came home weak and tired after his low dose 8 hour test. He was back to normal by the next morning. :) Getting diagnosed, then starting treatment (if necessary) will be better for Petey in the long run. It will give him a better quality of life. :o. Please post the results when you get a chance.

Huge hugs for you and Petey,
Kathy and Buddy:cool:

Happy Mothers Day to you too!!!
It'll be okay. I hope you get some answers too. :)

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Just wondering, is there a cut off for food and water tonight for him? I can't remember if they told me. I think they said no food, but thought you guys would know for sure.

If it's a LDDS test, then water is allowed but usually the dog is fasted.

For an ACTH stimulation test, no fasting is required and water is permitted also.

Thanks, Not sure, so we will go with fasting. He doesn't usually eat late anyway unless it's snacks. I am getting nervous. I know it's just a blood test, but tomorrow is the beginning of change and the unknown will be known. Tonight I am very emotional, I guess because I look at him and I know I have to make good decisions for him. AND I WILL, with the information I am given I will make the best decisions and we will be fine. Right? Right? okay, until tomorrow.

Pat Peety's #1 fan.

Sending healing hugs and prayers for Peety, and encouraging hugs for you, keep us posted!

I'm amazed at how they know the moment they get in the car where they are going. Normally, he looks out the window, but today he sat with his head down the entire trip. Not looking up one time. I had my hand on him and talked to him the whole trip. I choked back tears as I told him how much I loved him and that this was a good thing and we were gonna get some answers. Nothing gets me more than to see him unsure and scared. When we arrived I reached to pick him up and I could feel him pull away from me. Boy was I dreading going inside. But once inside he greeted everyone as he always does and was just sweet and happy. What a relief. He weighed in at 4 lbs more than the last visit. He was originally 18, dropped to 14, now back to 18. Happy about that. The tech said only a 2 hour test today. When she started to take him, he turned to look at me then dug his feet in and another pain my heart:( but finally he went somewhat willingly. Seeing the Dr at 10:30 to talk about his skin. So that is where we are up to the moment. Will update later this aft.
Can't wait to pick him up.

Petey just doesn't understand but hopefully one day soon he will be feeling better because of your actions to make the unknown known. It is scary to us parents but you are not alone. We are with you all the way, right by your side. Let us know how today goes!

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Tia would break for the door, used to break my heart, big hug to you.

Hopefully the time will fly and you can make some progress

Thinking of you both

Mel
Xxxxxx

Ok, I have my lil guy back. He did really good. Happily he has not had any down time today. Happy to be home and playing and eating good. While I was out I went and picked up some brewers yeast tablets. I use to have him on it but it's been awhile. It's another good way to keep the skin healthy internally.
The Dr. was surprised at his skin, since it has been about a month since he saw him last. He admitted it had never seen anything like it in his 43 years of practice. His best advice is still going to Gainesville to UF to have them see him. I told him about the black skin disease I read about and he agreed it did look more like that than CC. So we are going to see what the results of this test is, then go from there. Probably a couple of days for the results.

Thanks everyone for your support and concern. So nice to have an outlet of caring people to turn to. Big big hugs :)

Pat Peety's #1 fan

Glad the little guy is home and not sulking!

Hope those tests give you the answers you need

Mel
Xxxxx

Awww, he's a good boy and you are a good momma too. :)

I am leaning towards black skin disease over CC based on the pictures you posted. So, maybe UF is the best bet, definitely need to find someone with experience in this.
Lets see what the tests show and then what is next.
Also do some searching on the internet and see if anything you read strikes you as similar to Peety. (just to get ideas)
You're doing awesome. Remember, just like CC is a symptom of something else, so is Black Skin Disease. Just a symptom.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hey Pat: Hope you find out what is wrong with Peety's skin. You have helped him so much with what you are doing. He is still a happy boy. Love, JoAnne

I'm nervous waiting for the results of yesterday's test. It was only a 2 hour test. Isn't there an 8 hour test also? I guess depending on the results that would determine if they do further testing. Is that right? Would a 2 hour test be enough to confirm the Cushing's disease? I am preparing to make plans to go to UF after I get the results. My vet thinks they would love to get their hands on Peety. And OMG I would love that also. Reading about the black skin disease pretty much describes exactly what he has. Black, elephant skin. Sounds horrid, huh? It is. That part is down the center of his back and the rest of it is just black spots and balding in some of those areas. It looks like lava from a volcano, you know how it covers everthing in black and years down the road you see lil sprigs of green life. Well, in this mass of elephant skin, I feel little fussies that I think is a good sign. There has to be healthy skin under there to promote new growth. So maybe the follicle hasn't been completely damaged. Then again, it could mean some hair will come in and he will have bald spots all over.

Oh well, gotta stop, I am really depressing myself and I have to go back to work. It's just that I think about him all the time and keep hoping everyday to see something positive. Thank God he feels good. Regardless, I will love him if he never has any hair.

Hugs to everyone.

I am so excited. I think I have found something. Don't know how I found it, you know how you go from one thing to another. Well, I found an amazing product called Manuka Honey. Watched a video from a Prof Molan of Waikato University in Hamilton New Zealand. Apparently the medical properties of Manuka Honey is Anti biotic, Anti-Bacterial, Anti -inflammatory, Stimulates white blood cells provides nutrients directly to the wound. He has been studying Manuka honey for over 25 years. I also found a segment on the Dr Oz show and he was also really excited about it. I found a company that sells it in New Zealand and they sell bandages that can be applied or just the honey to make your own. I sent them an email to get some more information. Has anyone ever heard of it? Maybe I have been living under a rock, but I have never heard of it. My groomer told me she has lupus and when she has flair ups, she uses honey on her skin. She swears by it. I also read that is is good for animals as well. So I can't wait to hear from them. Maybe this is something that will work and will not be toxic. Praying this is a good alternative to traditional treatments :) Anyone know anything about it?

Pat