Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis) - Buttercup is now in heaven

Dawn:
You can also think about using Manuka honey. It has wonderful healing properties that they use on burn patients. Look it up as I use it for Tipper only I give it to her orally for acid reflux. Hope things get better. Blessings
Patti

Butters is doing as well as can be expected. She is so trusting and patient.:p Up early as normal got her cleaned up an dressed for our trip back to Davis this morning for the cat scan. She was so cooperative going up her ramp and into the back of the Edge. Loving her more each day :p, she inspires me with the grace that she displays, our companions are more then just pets or even family members they are our teachers, guardians and guides for our souls journey here on earth. If only more could be like us and them, then maybe this world would be better place for all.
Received kind words and emotional support from a unusual place. It was from the Admin at Ford Motor Co. Vehicle licensing and tax specialist division. Unbeknownst to me Lynn recuses the older and ailing dogs from local shelters in Michigan and cares for them till their journey on earth is over, one last true forever home filled with tender loving care.
While I wait for my girl I will pick up some chamomile tea for her and for me. I will also look into the Manuka honey.
Wish I could stop crying when I'm not with her, I know that she is in good hands and everything will be ok.

Hugs to all
Dawn & Miss Buttercup

Hi Dawn

It's a tough journey and it's not easy to see their skin in that condition, it would break my heart to see Tia that way. We used sudocream to help the itches but no vets in the us seem to recommend that. We also used cortavance spray which did dry up spots but I noticed it increased her thirst.

It's understandable that you cry when you are on your own as you are putting on a brave face for your girl. I hope that by coming here you can release some of that build up and we can support you across the miles.

Big hug

Mel
Xxxxxxxx

That was so sweet and nice of her to write you a note of support.
There are wonderful people in this world and right up there at the top has to be those who rescue, the older, the unwanted, sicker dogs and cats. We have some on this forum who do the same thing. It takes a special person to see beyond to what is real and to care enough to make a difference.
It's right with those who just volunteer their time to help others in need, for no reason other than that it is the right thing to do.
This is an emotional journey, with ups and downs, and you have a built in support group here, along with what is turning out to be quite a large support group at home too. You never really know sometimes, till the chips are down, how things really are. Then all the care just surrounds you and embraces you and holds you up when times are rough.
Here, we call it the k9cushings family. :) You and Buttercup are a member of that family and we'll be right there any time you want us. So, once settled, check in and let us know the plan, how you are doing.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Just got home from Davis. We are both exhausted. Well we got both good and bad news. I'll start with the good, she is still treatable ! Now for the bad, she has the worst case of calcinosis they have ever encountered and not only with her skin. While they were reviewing her CS they could see calcium crystals forming on the tumor and other areas of the brain and the eyes, they reassured me that it is not painful for her and that we need to get this under control ASAP and that we will.
My head and body are feeling spinny and weak from all the news and this thing called the waiting game. I have so many ? Yet my thoughts are all over the place right now, its making my tummy very weezie :(
Feed her and gave her her meds , she is laying in her bed now next to me.
This whole situation is much more difficult then anything that I have ever experienced in my life. Even when my father was diag with cancer (12/23/92)and going through everything with him( I was only 26) and then being by his side when he took his last breath (4/24/93) wasn't as difficult as this. You would think that after going through all that and now that I'm older and have experienced so much more( 2 divorces) that I would be better equipped to handle this. Feeling like I'm constantly under siege like her body is. Have a constant dull aching pain in my chest, in a state of fight or flight.
Time for me to feed myself and try to decompress from the events of the day.

yep, got to get that cc under control. So, that is reversible right? the crystals inside growing.
What is their over all game plan? 3 treatments with the laser? and what about getting the cc under control.

Get some rest, you can think about this all tomorrow.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

That is a lot of information to digest. I am so sorry about the crystals, I know for a fact the ones in the eyes are treatable, but must be closely monitored. I know how hard all of this is on you. It seems things never let up. You were right when you said this is the hardest thing you will ever do. With a person they can tell you what hurts and what is wrong, with these babies it makes it so hard to help them as you are dealing with so many variables. I am hoping and praying for the best for you and Buttercup, and know I too know what you are feeling inside. Blessings
Patti

What can I do to help slow the excessive amount of calcium she is producing or are my hands tied on that issue also? What can I feed her that will help her skin?
The CC is now running from the base of her skull to the base of her tail and is as hard as a rock, hasn't yet spread around to her under carriage so at least I can still rub her with out causing her any discomfort.
What is you opinion for her loading doses on either 1 of the 2 meds or both that are available considering her condition she weighs 83 lbs, just looking for some input so that when we work with the vet I will have a basic idea of what right for her, I understand that with out some lab numbers to give you I might be asking for to much, just need some info that I can process and have my ?s lined up and ready to go when it's time. Hate being under the gun and behind the 8 ball.

I think the way you feel is typical of most of us with our babies. They can't tell us how they feel, and it's a guessing game for us to know exactly what to do. Seems though you have the best place to take Buttercup to, so that's a plus for you.
I have been months in this process, and although I still have no definitive answers and almost everyday brings another symptom or surprise, and the fact that I was literally about to have a panic attack when I started on this journey, I just have to take it a day at a time and certainly am extremely thankful for another day with "mah boy."
I may never know what's wrong with Keesh, but you are able to treat Buttercup at least with the CC. I don't have any answers for you for the calcium, but try to take each event as it comes. Our pups depend on us.

When a dog has calcinosis cutis due to Cushing's disease getting the elevated cortisol down within the therapeutic ranges is the only way to control the CC, and this does take some time even if the Cushing's is controlled.

A loading phase is only done when a dog is being treated with Lysodren, there is no loading phase with Vetoryl/Trilostane.

Typically with Lysodren a loading dose is 50mg per kg of a dog's weight split and given twice a day. So to find Buttercup's weight in kg you divide her weight of 83 pounds by 2.2, which is 37.72kg. Now, you multiply 37.72kg * 50mg, which = 1886.36mg of Lysodren. The 1886.36mg is split and given twice a day, so that would be 943mg BID. Since Lysodren comes in 500mg you could round down to 875mg which is 1 pill and 3/4 of another pill.

I haven't read back through Buttercup's history, does she have the adrenal or pituitary type of Cushing's? The reason I am asking is because dogs with the adrenal type usually need a higher dose of Lysodren to load.

It is pituitary driven, PDH macro tumor is 2.5cm. She starts the radiation laser treatment Monday the 25th

Hey Dawn

Thank you for your comment on Tia's picture, she did have a way of looking right through you and knowing how you felt.

Teesey ended up with the cc all the way down her back flank too, it never spread to her belly but she had it from her ears down to her bum. Just wanted to give you some hope that it can clear up as hers did. All that hard skin will come off but it may bleed when it does, new skin will come up underneath and Tia managed to grow all her hair back.

I would think that they might want to see what butters cortisol levels are after the radiation treatment at which point they may then give you vetroyl/lydrosen to control that.

If you are not sure then give your team a call to clarify this as I know it is worrying you.

Hope you are doing as ok as you can be

Big hug to you and kisses for your girl

Mel
Xxxxx

Hello everyone, decided to work from home today and tomorrow. E-mailed vet for advice on food with omega 3 , she contacted her Science Diet rep and they recommended J/D it is a diet that was developed for dogs with arthritis it is the diet with the highest amount of the omega 3 and that would be good to help her skin. Will pick it up in the morning and slowly introduce it into her diet.
Otherwise all is well, was nice to be able to nap with her for a couple of hours today and tinker around in between processing claims for work. Will be doing the same thing tomorrow. Then back to the office sat. & sun. Daddy better keep a real close eye on her, better not come home and find her scratched up again, thinking of putting little booties on her back feet tomorrow and she has handles it,if she does well then I'll put them on when daddy is on watch.

Hugs and tummy rubs
Dawn & Butters:D

Sounds like a real good plan, just laze around, work some, laze some more. :)

Booties is a good idea too. :) If it will work for her. Is she good with that kind of thing? Molly forgets she has legs when I tried booties on her. Just laid down and said forget it mum, not happening. :) LOL

I'll let the others comment on the food, I just don't have enough knowledge to help out there. But yes, oils would be good, like fish oil with omegas.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

I would look for another feed myself. Science Diet used to be one of the best feeds out there but sadly no longer. When Nestle' bought it out, they changed the original formula, making it a cheap feed to make, increasing their bottom line profits. SD is mostly corn and sodium and most of the feeds get low ratings. Vets are not trained in nutrition and simply follow what the sales reps tell them...that's why most vet clinics stock SD - they don't know any better and get a real good deal from the manufacturer if they stock and sell it. It sadden me to learn how badly this feed had been treated by Nestle' since I credit SD with saving the life of one of my babies years ago....today I won't use it. I would chose it over things like Old Roy and other store brand feeds but that's about it. I'm not sure what you are feeding now, but putting Butters on SD may well be a step backward instead of an improvement in her diet.

Dog Aware rates dog feeds and does a fair job of letting us know what's good and what's not so good -

http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/

The best way to get Omega 3's in their system is via fish oils like salmon or krill. Poor little Grace's skin and coat are in such bad shape and I've been giving her salmon oil and feeding a FreshPet salmon feed - her skin and coat are already improving. You can use capsules of the oil if Butters will take them or you can get oils that can be pumped onto their feed.

Hope she's feeling better this morning and you, too!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Sorry to hear Buttercup is still having skin issues. I would definitely take Leslie's advise. My vet tried to put Tipper on the food for diabetics and the very first ingredient was corn. I would not do it. I would get her on a quality food that has never been recalled. Tipper eats some of the Newmans Own Organic Chicken. I t has never been recalled and uses human grade food. I buy it on Amazon. I would also get her on the Kronch Wild Salmon Oil from Natural Pets, it is supposed to be the very best of the oils. Tipper also takes 150mg Vitamin e daily- no more than 200 is allowed. She has not skin issues with the exception of some very small calcium bumps maybe as big as the head of a pin. She was a vey allergic dog for many years with skin issues so I consider her vey fortunate not having any now. I hope all goes well I am ticking the days off in my head until the Radiation. God Bless you both.
Patti

You know my gut really did not want to use SD, ;)I'm feeding her Artemis fresh mix. I checked the link and it got a 4 star rating,:) looked for the the SD that was recommended and could not find it, :confused:looked at others and none came up on the 4 star list.:mad: Will continue with Artemis :owhich was recommended to me many years ago by a breeder of Swedish Valhunds ( crazy little dogs very high energy). The Vet at Davis recommended Nortic brand omega supplement because they have been veted unlike so many others that have tested positive for mercury. Will add salmon to her diet and will order the Nortic for her.
Wish more places carried the Artemis there are only 2 places here, 1 in San Francisco Height district and another at For other living things in Cupertino which isn't far from work. Those 2 stores only carry holistic and high grade foods. None of that run of the mill foods that you find at pet and grocery stores are carried by them. Plus Butters parrot( green cheek conour) needs more food and millets. Yes you heard that correct Butters has a bird and they are such a sight to see together, but with her skin issue Cheeky can not ride around on her or preen her fur :(

Thanks for confirming my gut reaction and for the link which I will share with others .:D

Always greatful
Dawn & Butters

Artemis is a good feed! I wouldn't change it to SD either. ;) And Nordic Naturals for pets is a good salmon oil. When I first started using oils, it had lemon flavoring in it and none of my babies would touch it. It no longer contains lemon as they have a formula specifically for pets now. You done good, Mom! :)

My beloved grandmother Alice finally let go and crossed over peacefully this evening at home.(Ohio) She had a good long run 93 years, bless her heart.
My mom is doing as well as can be, she's a real trooper caring for her mother the way she did these last 19 months. Was glad that I was able to be with her to celebrate her 93rd birthday back in July while she was still able to get around a little (dementia). No regrets.
Am relieved that the wait is over and she crossed over the bridge where her beloved childhood pets, friends and family were waiting for her arrival. I had been so worried about my mom and the stress that caring for her was doing to her. She is a strong willed woman just like her mom and I can clearly see where I get that trait from. Couldn't have asked for a better grandma or mom. My hats of to both of them and thank them for all they have taught and given me.

Oh Dawn. Even with a good run of it and at 93, what a run she had, it's still hard to say goodbye.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dawn. 93! Can you imagine the things she saw come to pass during her life?! Born in the Roaring 20's and lived until 2013, she saw the country during it's most prosperous time, when women started to fight for their rights in a loud boisterous voice that would not be quieted. She came to be not long after the Wright Brothers conquered the skies and lived to see man walk on the moon. She was around for the first air conditioned car and lived to hear a vehicle talk and park itself. What a fabulous time she lived in! I am so glad you got to spend some time with her and say your goodbyes. And I hope your mom is able to rest for a bit now - she has done a good job.

Many hugs and my sympathies to you and your family,
Leslie

Dawn:
So sorry to hear of your grandmothers passing, but from what you said she had a good life. She will surely watch over you and your Buttercup in the coming days. Blessings
Patti

So sorry, Dawn to hear about your grandmother. My mom is 90 and I think she has had a pretty good run all in all too considering so I know what you mean.

But, I also know it is a sad time too, for those left behind they will miss your nana.

Thank you everyone for you kind words. Grandma was a real spite fire in her days and she will always be with me. She helped make me into the woman I am today. We are decedents of the Carroll clan.
Charles Carroll of Carrollton. He is 1 of our founding fathers, you can find his signature on the Declaration of Independence, his is the fourth signature below John Hancock's. She was very proud of her heritage and all that they accomplished. She lived though so many things. She was born legally blind and did not let that hold her back, she strived to be like everyone else. She could always tell who was who by their shape and coloring( my red hair, moms blonde, sis mousey brown and so on.) She even landed a civilian job with the US Coast Guard and had a very successful career. ( she used some real crazy magnifiers for reading). Mom and I encouraged her to travel and see the world after she retired, and she did till the age of 91(go grandma).
A very long adventures life filled with friends and family. I have SO many awesome memories of her cool hip ways, always up to date with fashions.
She will be missed but never far away.:p

Thank you all so much.
Dawn Anderson and Family

Ok back to Buttercup. :D
YEAH,:D For Other Living Things had everything I needed and then some. Got her Artemis and her Nordic Naturals omegas, also got a hug and supportive words. They are so wonderful there. She had a customer in today ( right before I got there) that was treated at Davis for a brain tumor and she said that he is doing so well (Boston Terrier) had the radiation treatment several months ago with much success even as old as he is. :D
Now its time to start gearing up for Monday, will go into work early again tomorrow and get as much done as I can and then pack the rest up & take it with me to Davis. That will keep me busy while they are treating her.
Awe Cheeky ( Butters parrot) did the happy dance trying to get her attention.:( She does missing hanging with Butters. Funny, house of
flock & pack mentalities, gotta love it:D

Your grandmother sounds like a real gem of a lady. I love that she held onto her adventurous spirit as long as possible and lived a full life, not letting a little thing like blindness get her down.

That is a really good recommendation to hear of another dog that did well on the radiation treatment at the same place. Awesome and give some real hope that they can get this thing with Butters under control. Cheeky wants her companion back!! Like yesterday.

I love that pack mentality. My molly is always happy when her pack is all home. The kidlets are home with their families and my mother in law is around. She's a pretty happy camper at that point.

Monday will be here soon.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Your grandmother sounds like she was a lot of fun. Know that I am thinking of you both as you start on your journey with this treatment. I pray for both of you to have a good outcome. Blessings
Patti

Well, my little Miss Butters does not like the nordic oil:confused: I got her she actually picked at her food and ate around the pieces that she could smell it on!:(

Made a mad dash :eek:to the local pet store and crossed my fingers that I could find a good wet food to mix with her kibbles. Have been running like crazy the last 2 days pulling 12 hour shifts at work to try to get a head, that I forgot to ck the link to find a good wet food.
The powers that be must have been guiding me, I purchased Natures valley instinct, mixed it with her kibbles and omega oil, she ate it All :D was even able to mix in her meds with it:D then remembered the link, checked it ok and its a 5***** star food,YEAh
You guys are awesome, don't know what I would do with out you all:D


Hugs and scratches
Dawn and Butters

Hey Dawn

Just wanted you to know you are both in my thoughts today.

We will all be here thinking of you, pop in and let us know how you both are when you can

Big hug and kisses to Miss Butters

Mel
Xxxxxx

Mornin' Dawn,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Miss Butters today as you start this treatment. I hope it is successful and brings our sweet girl some relief adding many years to your lives together.

Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

Miss Butter held her water for almost 5 hours last night, what a good girl. Momma got some real sleep last night, of course she was sleeping on the couch with me which is a very special place to be!:p
So many things running through my head this morning, all the conversations with all the Dr.'s that have taken place. I understand that they could only go off of averages, but even Dr. Kent said that who knows she could be that 1 in a million that with this treatment it could actually destroy the tumor and it doesn't start to grow again or even disappears with time. I pray she's that 1 in a million for that would give so much hope for not only her future but for the future of other Cushpups and their families and also for all the Dr.'s and researches that are striving for a cure for PDH Cushings.
She's managing things well with only having site in her right eye and she is really trying not to scratch. I see she wants to but will only scratch her elbow and not go for the neck or shoulder. I think she knows now that it will hurt her if she does or that could just be my imagination, which ever it is I'm just glad she not scratching.:)
Time to.finish getting packed and get the house in order and myself for that matter. This is going to be a very special Thanksgiving this year indeed:p

Dawn:
I have been thinking of you when I was awake last nite and praying to God that your baby is that one in a million that has one treatment and that is it. I will be eagerly awaiting news on Butters. God Bless You Both
Patti

Awww, what a good girl to hold it for so long. :)

How is today going?
I sure do hope she is that one in a million too. Wouldn't that be fabulous.
Oh geez, that's right you will be up at Davis for Thanksgiving?

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Well day 1 down, her Dr.'s said that she did really well today:D We are back at the Inn, she ate her dinner with no problems. Our timing was impeccable, tonight she circled to the right a few times, I've heard that they will do that, I remember her vet. back home asking me over and over again "is she circling to the right", she never did that in my presences till tonight.:o
She is sleeping next to me on the bed so peacefully. Being on the bed is a real treat for her. Daddy doesn't like her being on our bed, buts its ok for her to be on his sons bed. But I do sneak her in bed with me when he is not around.;)
Its nice quiet and calm here very relaxing this time compared to
the last time.:p
My friend Alison will be driving up here in the morning to help me with her. My back and strength are failing me, trying to keep picking her up & putting her in the back of the Edge and the carrying her out has taken its toll. ( 84lbs and resisting, its like dead weight).
I do have a ramp for her but sometime she just wont go up or down it, probably because of her compromised vision( poor girl).
Round 2 starts tomorrow morning. Time for me to get some rest also.

Hugs and blessing to all
Dawn & Butters:)

Good! I hope that she continues to do well and that this works for her. 84lbs, no way would I attempt to lift her. My goodness!

Dawn:
I was so relieved to hear your post. I am praying this works well for Butters. I know this must be awful to be in a hotel for Thanksgiving. If you lived close I would cook you dinner and bring it over. You are so brave to got out on a limb to help your baby, my hat goes off to you. I hope Butters continues to improve, and this Thanksgiving you can be thankful for the new lease on life you are giving your baby. God Bless you Both
Patti

Hi - I have been reading your thread and just wanted to send you all my best wishes for this treatment for Butters!! Flynn and me have fingers and paws crossed for a successful outcome.

I am pleased she is on the bed snuggled up :D:D Would a sling of some sort help with lifting her, crikey a bad back is just what you don't need right now!

Also, my condolences on the loss of your Grandmother, her story sounded like she had a life well lived and was someone to look up to indeed!! xx

Wow round 2 done, had her in at 8:30 am & back with at 10:45, 2 treatments in less the 24 hours. ( 1st at 1pm Monday 2nd at 9am Tuesday), she came trotting out from the back with her Dr. in tow, she did well again today. Will take her back in the morning for the final treatment. Just fed her and she ate well, now she is very sluggish and facing the wall staring off into space, poor little thing, she's been through so much and still has a long way to go. At least she snaps out of it quickly.
Since she is still a little drugged up I can get some of the nasty old skin/hair off of her, is just hanging off her. I'm sure it will make her feel better.

Will keep you all posted
Dawn & Butters

You should get some rest too. So glad that it's going well!

Dawn:
I am so glad you are posting what is going on with Butters as I keep checking for news. I thought there was only one treatment or am I mistaken? Any way I am so happy for you both that all continues to go well. Blessings
Patti