Miss Millie Mayhem (Eng Bulldog) - NEW Dx: Cushings PDH and AWFUL Calcinosis Cutis

I was thinking just today that it could take longer to clear up the cc since there is also staff present which can be quite hard to get rid of too. Millie is on antibiotics for that right?

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Wow Kathy - even in a time where you need not be worrying about anyone else, you do! Know how very special you are. You were the first to welcome me with open arms to let me know there are people to help. I can't even explain how comforting that was as I have sat around shedding endless tears worrying. You are completely selfless and that is another reason I follow your journey. I thank you for being such a great example of kindness...I bet Buddy taught you some of that cause I can see it in his eyes :)!

I am not spooked - I am grateful there is a group to share experiences and support!

xoxox,
Kerry

Hi Sharlene - yes she had Staff and Strep - she is on Clindamycin and Rilexine. On second visit to Dermatologist, the Derm said infections were getting better but to still stay on the meds.

Thanks for checking in!
Kerry

Hi Kerry,
Been meaning to chime in and say welcome. Seems like everyone's been on giving you good advice. Millie looks like such a sweetie. Sorry the skin problem is is so stubborn and causing Millie discomfort.
My dog's symptoms were pretty slow to subside...we're still tweaking the dose and things are starting to get a bit better.
I hope Millie starts to improve really soon! :)
Barbara

Hi Kerry, I just read all your posts. So sorry you are dealing with everything. It becomes all consuming. You want to know all you can as fast as you can. Everyone here has great advice, and with that you add in your own research and you end up never feeling like you can relax. It's like overload from day one, :eek::eek::eek: when you find yourself thrown into this crazy world. I have had dogs all my life and I have never heard of any of this until now. But from day one you know what you have to do and you just keep doing all you can until you see some positive results.

With regard to the CC, I have been told and have also read that this could last a very long time. And as long as Peety is doing good I can see past the CC. In the beginning I didn't think that. His first Vet overloaded him with meds and he was so sick. Wouldn't eat, I tried everything. I finally took him off all the meds and he finally came around. Then I changed Vets, and the next one didn't have any practical experience with skin disorders, so put him on prednisone. That proved to be a disaster. And the Vet couldn't really offer me anything that I didn't already know. So referred me to a Derm Dr. Huge disappointment for me and Peety. We are now going to a reliable, trustworthy Dr. I've know many years. She does not believe he has cushing's but thinks his CC came from the prednisone. We are watching him closely for any signs. So far no symptoms at all. But Peety is almost 12 so we are looking at any senior health issues. I am happy that he is doing so well. He gets a vitamin, omega3 and brewers yeast, and lots of hugs and kisses. I don't make myself crazy analyzing everything he does everyday, but I do watch for any changes in any of his routines. And I make every day count for him. That's all I can do right now. He is my crazy lil guy that makes me laugh when he's not even trying to.

Hang in there, tomorrow is another day, with more information and even more questions. But we can do it because our precious lil ones are counting on us. Big hugs for Millie

hugs, Pat

Hi Kerry,

Just a word of warning with the calcinosis cutis .... it is likely to worse before it gets better. The biggest thing is to control any infections and you are doing the right thing with the antibiotics. Personally I would recommend that all infections are clear before you stop the antibiotics.

Generally it takes 4 - 6 months before it just "remains there" without causing issues.

Angela and Flynn

Thanks Angela - I appreciate the input on the antibiotics. Do you know if there are any issues that would arise from keeping her on too long - if not, the longer the better in my eyes...I do not want to have to continue dealing with infection on top of everything else!

And Angela, Pat & Barbara - would be interested in your thoughts on this - as things are drying up, her pinkish colored skin seems so dry (maybe it is actually the calcium that's causing it to look this way?). If it were me I would want soothing cream rubbed all over - we have never given any types of supplements like omega3/fish oil...would this help?

Want to do everything I can!

xoxox,
Kerry

Hi Kerry,
A very belated welcome to you and Millie. I am so sorry you are dealing with this, it is a tough thing to get under control. I am sorry that I can't offer any advice on if there is any cream that would help her skin, hopefully some of the others that have dealt with it directly can advise you. I do know that fish oil supplement is good for their skin and coat overall, as well as promoting kidney health, joint function and health immune system, among other things. It is certainly something you could ask your vet about. My pup Jasper gets it on his food twice a day specifically for kidney and cholesterol issues, but it has really helped his dry skin.

Your avatar pic is so cute, she is adorable.

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper

Thanks Tina - I am going to sound really ignorant, but is it a pill you put on the food, or drops?

Jasper is a mighty fine looking looking lad as well!

xoxox,
Kerry

You don't sound ignorant at all! It is a liquid, the brand my vet prescribes is Welactin, but there are many different brands of omega-3 supplements for dogs. Mine comes with a little spoon and I just measure 1/2 a spoonful on his food twice a day. There probably are pills that could be punctured and put on the food but I think that would be messy.

Thanks Kerry, I wish I had a better pic of Jasper, but he doesn't like his picture taken, he has become afraid of the sound my phone or camera make. When I try to get a picture he runs off and hides. So the avatar pic is the best I have unfortunately!

Hugs,
Tina and Jasper