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.