Calcinosis Cutis and Cushings (Peety has passed)

Wow, this is quite overwhelming. Last month I didn't even know what Cushings was, now I am immersed in so many details my head in spinning. My 11 almost 12 y/o18 lb Shi-Tzu was just diagnoised with Calcinosis Cutis and we are waiting to do the test for Cushings. His poor lil body is covered in calcium deposits and I feel like I am loosing this battle. He is so miserable and we have not started him on any treatments as yet. Complicated, but His first Vet, was trying to treat the outbreak of sores and started him on Predisone. Yikes!!!! We saw no improvements so he referred me to a dermatologist. She did biopsys and diagnoised him. We are now stepping down off of predisone.

I have been on-line every day trying to find an alternative to the chemicals suggested to treat Cushings. I have decided to do a natural approach and found a couple of places on-line that I am looking into. I am seeing my Vet tomorrow and plan to discuss this with him. There is even a ph # of a vet in Ga that I plan to call as he was highly encouraged by this natural approach. My lil guy is so wonderful, so sweet, so playful and so young for his age. This disease has taken so much out of him as me as well. I look at him and cry, because his once beautiful skin and coat(his skirt goes to the floor) are ravaged by this horrific disease.

I have been reading different posts, but have not seen one with the combination of Calcinosis Cutis with Cushings. Does anyone have any knowledge first hand and can offer any input.

My lil guy is depending on me to make the right decisions for his care. I need to get him on something asap so I hope to be able to make a decision in the next day or so.

Right now he has selective eating, drinks a ton of water, pees alot, wears an E-collar all the time now, because he scratches so much. I was giving him benadryl, but it didn't seem to help. I'm using neosporin on the really bad places. And I am using an aloe product on the ones not so bad. He's a good sport, he tolerates anything I need to do to him, but this just isn't right. No one should ever have to suffer like this. I Just want to see him happy again.

Anyone with any info on this combination of diseases?

I am not familiar with that specific disease, but Cushing's reeks havoc with our furlets' immune systems. I wish you luck and would be curious as to what information you find out about natural treatments. I've been told that none are truly effective.

Good luck and I hope the little one feels better soon!

Thanks for responding. I wish I were only dealing with Cushings. This just complicates it. Sure, I will let you know what I find out about natural treatments.

Thank you, Daisy is newly diagnosed and the vet gave her twice the amount of Trilostane recommended for a dog her size. I've since stopped the meds and we have an appointment at Cornell on Friday.

Good luck!

Hi and welcome to the forum.

We've had a number of members who have dealt with calcinosis cutis and it is a bear to get under control. Calcinosis cutis is virtually pathognomonic for Canine Cushing's syndrome. In other words, if a dog has calcinosis cutis, you pretty much know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the dog has cushing's. Excess cortisol screws with just about every metabolic function, including retarded calcium absorption resulting in high levels of calcium in the blood. Only a small number of dogs will be unfortunate enough to eventually develop calcinosis cutis. The primary objective when dealing with this is to get your dog on one of two only effective treatments, Lysodren (Mitotane) or Vetoryl (Trilostane). Unfortunately, there are no natural treatments that reduces cortisol and with your boy being in agony, the sooner you can get the cortisol levels down, the better his prognosis will be.

Do you know for sure that your dog had calcinosis cutis before the first vet put him on prednisone? If not, then he could have iatrogenic cushing's and the only treatment is to get him weaned off of prednisone. Was he experiencing symptoms associated with cushing's before the prednisone? Dermatologists are usually very experienced with cushing's and are usually very well versed on the two treatments I mentioned above. I would suggest you stick with the derm vet as she is much more knowledgable and experienced with this condition. A holistic vet may prescribe something to be given with Lysodren or Vetoryl to help boost the immune system but it would be adjunct treatment only.

One of our moderators, Angela, has first hand experience with calcinosis cutis and I'm sure she will be dropping in to share her knowledge. I do want to mention that Lysodren may be the most appropriate treatment as Vetoryl is known to increase some of the other adrenal hormones which can exacerbate calcinosis cutis. Dr. David Bruyette, an expert endocrine specialist whose first choice of treatment is Vetoryl, has said that he has not had a good response in resolution of calciniosis cutis with Vetoryl.

I'm sorry for the reasons that brought you here but I'm glad you found us. We've all had the head spins and I promise it will subside as you learn more about the disease and its treatment.

Glynda

Hi and welcome.

Our Hungarian Vizsla, Sabre, had calcinosis cutis and was treated with Lysodren for two years until he passed away in 2010. As Glynda has pointed out ... calcinosis cutis is pretty much a diagnosis for cushings.

I can understand your want to "treat naturally" but the only way to get the calcinosis cutis "under control" is to bring his cortisol levels down. To do this your dog requires treatment with either Lysodren or Vetoryl. My personal opinion is that Lysodren is the better treatment option for a dog with calcinosis cutis for the reasons that Glynda has pointed out. Having said this there are some members who have used Vetoryl.

Things that I can suggest are .... medicated shampoos (didn't really work for us - it just inflamed the calcinosis cutis), oatmeal shampoos (didn't have a lot of impact), betadine on areas that are not open to help dry up areas, scuffing off areas with epiotic (not sure whether this is available in US but is actually an ear cleaner), antihistamine (hit and miss and is dependent on the dog), additives - evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil and fish oil. We always tried to be proactive with antibiotics so at the first sign of infection the vet prescribed them. We also used T-Shirts or jackets to keep everything covered so he wouldn't try and get at it too much. For us it was a matter of trying to "manage" the calcinosis cutis and try and stop infection whilst his cortisol levels came down. It does get worse before it gets better and it does take some time. From recollection it took 4 to 6 months before his hair grew back and the calcinosis cutis was "just there". He always had plates of calcium deposits on his body.

You can do a search for "calcinosis cutis" from the menu along the top to find others who have dealt with it.

If you have any further queries ... please ask away.

Angela

Hello and welcome to the forum.
Unfortunately calcinosis cutis is a real bugger to try to get under control. Once it develops from what we have seen on the forum here, the only thing that gives a chance of getting under control is getting the cortisol levels down. All the natural options seem to solely treat the symptoms of cushings without doing anything to lower the cortisol itself. The only way to tell if the cortisol is going up or down is via the ACTH test.
It's an awful situation to deal with as you really don't want it to get worse. The worse it gets the harder to ever get rid of it.
Feel free to ask any questions you might have as we have had members dealing with it on here.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi Petey's fur mom :) My name is Jackie and my French Bulldog, Ugga, has Calcinosis Cutis. We treat with Vetoryl because Ugga has other health issues and takes multiple medications. Honestly, the Vetoryl hasn't done much as far as the CC is concerned. Lysodren is not an option for us so we take Ugga for acupuncture. We're having a lot of success with it. He still takes his Vetoryl as it helped alleviate his other symptoms and it keeps his Cortisol levels down but the acupuncture has been a great compliment to it. It's worth looking into, in my opinion. When it's been really bad we've used Chlorexidine Shampoos, Humilac sprays, and Betadine. He also takes 1200mg fish oil every day. Also, anytime he started to scratch himself open, we got him on an antibiotic right away. Good luck! Hugs to you and Petey :)

Hi Jackiev, thanks for your input. I'm sorry we are dealing with this same horrific disease on our lil ones. I'm kinda at a point where I am not encouraged by much of anything. I really wanted to find a natural remedy, but so far I have not found anything and I am at a loss and he continues to get worse, So...... My dermatologist has put him on DMSO. Not happy after reading the scarey research I did. But I was assured this is medical grade and it is "somewhat "safe". I started the treatments very carefully and will monitor him. She told me I should start to see the calcium deposits on his skin be absorbed into the skin and over time we should get it under control.

We can't do the Cushing's test for another 3-4 weeks as he will be taking his last predisone on Fri. and we need his system to be clear before more bloodwork can be done. Nonetheless I will do whatever I can for him. I just want his fun sweet personality back. I just hope I am making the right decisions. He is wearing a cone all the time now, except for meals and walks and he is wearing a t-shirt to curb scratching. His hair is falling out more every day and it makes me cry to see him like this. I bathe him in oatmeal and teatree oil and I use an aloe vera product that has Nopal cactus and Flax seed extract. It seems to calm it down. Sometimes he sleeps all night, sometimes he cries and then of course I do the same. But I try to stay close to him so he feels secure and loved. And I know he does. I just wish I could do more for him. Based on my readings, we probably will be dealing with this for a while.
Have you seen any noticible improvement in the skin since you started the meds? How long have you been on them?

Good luck to you and let me know how you're doing.

Hi Peety's fur-mom: My nearly 12 year old mini dachshund has been treated with Vetoryl for six months. It has seemed to help somewhat, but he has developed calcium deposits on his tail since starting the Vetoryl. One of my vets has prescribed the DMSO, but I am like you I am afraid to use it since he only has about 4 calcium deposits on his tail and he has not even noticed them. I know DMSO is an old medicine and has been used for many years on horses and some people seem to have good results with it. Some doctors even use it on people for different things. Glenda is right the Lysodren is much more helpful in the control of the calcinosis. I would have to keep CoCo off the Vetoryl for 30 days to be able to start the Lysodren and I hesitate to do that since I believe he would develop more problems not being treated for 30 days. The people on this forum know so much about Cushings and the treatments. If I had known that CoCo would develop the calcinosis I would have started him on the Lysodren rather than the Vetoryl. Lots of people have had good results with both medications and their fur babies have lived many years. Good luck to you and your fur baby. Hugs, JoAnne

Thanks for all the responses. Today is the third day of DMSO. He is doing very well with it. Tonight he got a bath and brushed and he is all clean and smelling sweet and he knows it. I love seeing him like this. Took last predisone today so we are just waitng to be able to do the Cushing's test. The CC is all over his body, my only hope is that we can still get it under control. Every day is a new day to see improvement. Thanks for all the the support. This is a great community to be part of, if you have to deal with something like this. At least you know you are not alone.

Hello and welcome from me and Simba (10yr old mini doxie, almost 11yr in April) you have found the best site to be on for you and your furbaby...these cushing parents are so smart and very kind, so settle in, we are all here for you!!

Hi again Peety's fur-mom. Glad the DMSO seems to be helping. I have not started using it yet. My vet told me that I have to definitely use Latex gloves when I put it on my dachshund. I have read lots of stuff about it and I know it is an old medicine, but have been afraid to use it and CoCo only has a couple of the calcium deposits on his tail, but looks like more are forming. I have heard some good reports on the DMSO and hope your furbaby continues to improve. Please continue to let us know how she is doing. The people on this forum are so experienced and can help so much. Hugs, JoAnne

Hi Peety's fur mom: Hope your furbaby is doing better this Monday morning and the DMSO is helping the calcinosis. I know your precious puppy will feel better if you can get a handle on the calcinosis. Let everyone hear how you are doing. Hugs, JoAnne

Hi, how is the cc doing? Is the DMSO helping?

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi everyone, we are still doing DMSO. I am not sure what I am supposed to be seeing. He is doing ok, I am just not sure if the DMSO is curtailing this outbreak of calcium. He is covered, not one inch of him is not covered. I am treating about 1/4 each day. He has been off predisone since Fri and no one has said what I should see as a result of him coming off of it. Will there be more itching, more outbreaks? I know that I cannot leave the t-shirt off or the cone off, because he will go to town on new areas and then we have a problem. The dermatologist took him off of antibiotics, so I am nervous that he could get an infection. So after walks and meals I put the cone back on. His appitite has improved since off the predisone. He actually perks up when he smells food, his or not. So I am encouraged by that.

My Vet and I have been playing phone tag, he knows I want a natural remedy and he is looking into that for me. He called with what I was hoping was other options, but we haven't talked yet. He had suggested a referral to University of Gainesville as a possible way to get some answers. He said he has had good luck with referrals there. I just found out a nabor took their dog there a couple of years ago and I need to go pick their brain a bit. My dermatologist hasn't followed up and I guess I am not surprised. She has not been forthcoming with information. After all the money I have already spent you would think some of that would have covered general information and answers. I don't know about everyone else, but sometimes I don't know what qustions to ask. I really thought having a professional would give me some assurance. Not so in this case. I need to find another way to get my boy healthy. Still a ways from the Cushing's test. Right now my focus is on this horrific skin disease.

Anyone know of anything, topically other than what has been mentioned. Someone said this would take a long time. And I have dug my heels in for whatever...I just need to know that I am doing whatever I can to make this less irritating for him. So any suggestions, would be appreciated. Thanks for the continued support. you're the best....

Pat Peety's #1fan

Hi JoAnne, How is your lil guy doing? Just wondering if the calcium deposits are stiill slight as you mentioned before. Oh, I do hope the meds have kept it from spreading. Peety is pretty much covered head to tail and I did use the DMSO for a few days only. I was never on board when first told about it. And I did not see any difference. Right now I am just watching for new places that he has found and worsened by his licking and scratching. He only has the cone off and the t-shirt off for a few minutes for walks and eating. But he's quick when he has an itch. So far I am able to keep this under control. My Dermatologist took him off of antibiotics, and that concerned me that he didn't have any protection. So I am vigilent in looking for any places that needs special care. He is still loosing his hair but he has lots, so I am not overly concerned yet.

I did find a Holistic Vet in my area and I am seeing my Vet Monday, hoping to get a referral. Maybe they have something that I can use topically or internally. I want to supplement his daily vitamins with extra Vit E and anything else that may help. Since he has been off predisone, he is like a new dog. He eats better, plays better and his personality is back to being sweet and silly. He doesn't know how bad he is, thank goodness. So for now I am happy that he is resting better and I think he knows his "mom" is looking for answers and he is very tolerant and patient.

Let me know if you have found anything else that improves the situation. Give Coco a hug from Peety and me. Pat, Peety's #1 fan.

Peety is just a gorgeous little guy. I don't know of anything else that he can take that helps the bumps. I wish I did. Everyone tells me that it is a real dickens to get control of when it gets very bad.

I think we all want to know what questions we should be asking our vets.

I guess, some for questions for you would be, what do they feel is the underlying cause of the skin problems? have they taken any scrapings to analyze exactly what it is. For instance, Is this caliconosis cutis or is it a yeast infection or something else? How it is treated would be tailored specifically to what the main problem is. We've had some dogs have yeast, some have the dreaded cc, some have skin infections due to other infections in their body (E-coli for instance) So I think that would be relevant to know.

Based upon that answer, you go from there, with next being treatment options and for any given treatment how long till you should expect to see results. You want to know that you aren't stopping something too soon, or that you aren't continuing something that isn't having any affect.
Good luck with both your vets this week. I sincerely hope that someone can give you the answer to these questions so you can get this cleared up.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Yes, diagnosed with CC about a month ago through biopsy's. Waiting for the Cushing's test. I am encouraged by his disposition since being off of predisone. Seeing him be more like his old self. But I wish there was more I could do for him. Will wait and see what the Vet says and maybe next week we will have a new perspective. Thanks for your input. Will let you know what we find out. hugs
Pat Peety's #1 fan

Okay, I probably knew that from your first post and had forgotten. Sorry about that. (head slap)
So, the prednisone could make the cortisol actually higher and high cortisol seems to be a direct link to CC. So, taking him off that might help too.

hugs!
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi Pat and Peety: So sorry Peety is having such a bad time with the calcinosis. CoCo only has about 3 or 4 of the calcium deposits on his tail, or that is what the vet calls them. They actually look like warts. The vet prescribed the DMSO, but I have not used it since he only has a few spots. He has never even noticed them. There are lots of experienced people on this forum and the pups that have had the calcinosis did well on the Lysodren. That seems like a good idea to take Peety to the University of Gainsville. They will recommend something to help Peety. It is so awful to see your dog in pain. I am using the Vetoryl and it has lowered CoCo's cortisol, but he has lost a lot of his hair and it has not started growing back in, but maybe it will. I am sending healing thoughts your way and hope you find something to help Peety. Love, JoAnne

Trying coconut oil on Peety's calcium deposits. I have read about the wonderful properties of it and I am excited to try it. I talked to the pharmacists today and even he said no to the DMSO, but I was told that Hibiclens is also very good for cleaning and he agreed. So I have some new things that I am very hopeful about. Talking to my Vet tomorrow, I'm sure he will agree because he knows I am trying to treat as natural as possible. And since his CC got worse with the prednisone, I am also hopeful that he will not test positive for Cushing's. Since being off of the prednisone he has improved in all areas. It's possible the CC was because of the prednisone. And I have not seen the symptoms that others have spoke about. But of course we will do the test, I will just be praying alot that the results are negative for my lil guy. This part is horrible enough.

I am so glad I found this forum. Everyone has been so nice to share their experiences. It makes me feel like I have alot of really good friends that really care. Hugs to all.

Hey Pat: That sounds good. I know both of those products are used on humans, so should not hurt and hopefully will help. Peety will smell wonderful with the coconut oil. Let us know how it works. CoCo has lost so much of his shiny black hair that his skin shows through. I am thinking if I had started him on the Lysodren rather than the Vetoryl it may have helped his hair, but would have to stop the Vetoryl for 30days to change, so afraid he might have worse symptoms. Hard to figure what is best for these sweet puppies. I will be sending healing thoughts to Peety. Take care. Love, JoAnne

I just thought of this thread where one of our members has listed the supplements that she is trying in addition to the vetoryl for her baby. You might be interested in her list, even though CC is not one of the items that she is dealing with.

http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/show...&postcount=227

Hopefully the two things you have mentioned will be helpful too.

Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi Sharlene, thanks so much for the thread. It was very helpful. Why reinvent the wheel when someone is already using it, right? I love that you just put something out there and someone has information they are willing to share. Instead of research time you can get down to the application of it. Thanks again. I am anxious to talk to my Vet today. I know that being proactive the professionals take you more serious too.

JoAnne, you mentioned CoCo was losing hair, Peety is too. I have been trying to decide if the smart thing to do would be to cut his hair short. It is more difficult to bath him then blow dry his hair. It would help me navigate the places that need more attention too. He wears a t-shirt all the time and when I take it off the hair is matted pretty good. I brush it out before bathing, but alot of it just comes out. You can see by his picture he "had" beautiful hair. Maybe I will talk to the Vet about that too. Only one time when he was much younger did he get shaved and I tell you he was so embarrassed. I promised I would never let that happen again. (I didn't do it, my X-mother-in-law did it):( Anyway, we will see what today holds. Thanks guys for all the valuable input. big hugs. Peety's #1 fan

Shaving would definitely be a plus especially since it's going to get warm out. I have a friend who shaves her Pekingese every year, they've gotten over the embarrassment and seem to like the feeling afterward.

If Peety starts to feel better, you'll have your answer :)
If not, it grows back.

Good luck!

Hello

Just wanted to share our experience with the use of Vetoryl and CC.

My Tia had it all down her back panel so we shaved her whole back from her collar to her tail. It took a good few months for her skin to clear up and start to heal with a couple of infections along the way but it did heal up completely and all her fur grew back apart from the spot on her tail which is known as a rat tail and apparently is the first sign of hormone problems (according to my IMS)

We used sudocream as an alternative to steroid spray and this did help her with the itching

Good luck with it

Mel
Xxxxxxx

Ps - it did cause razor burn with Tia and she really didn't like the vets doing it as i think it probably hurt a bit but I do think it helped as you could get at the spots easier

Let us know what the vet says!

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hey Pat: Peety is so beautiful and does have beautiful hair, but you are probably right you could get to the bumps easier and it might help her itching. Let us know what the vet says. Love, JoAnne

Had a scare today. Peety and I had just finished play time, after I came home from work which we do every day. He's always so excited to see me. He wasn't out of my sight 5 minutes, and I saw him at the back door, thought he was asking to go out. When I got to him I could see his side was bleeding pretty bad. I scooped him up and examined him good. He apparently swiped his side with his back paw and opened it up. A huge scab from the Calcium was hanging off. I quickly cleaned it with Peroxide and immediately called the Vet's office to see if I could come in. My heart was in my stomach. Peety has not been on antibiotics for 2-3 weeks and I knew I really needed to get him some. And I wanted someone to look at it and reassure me. I went in and the Dr. I saw was one I hadn't seen but he quickly reviewed Peety's file and told me to continue cleaning with the Hibiclens a couple of times a day and start him back on antibiotics.

We're still a couple weeks away from the Cushing's test. But I will see my regular Vet Monday and we will talk some more.

So I was encouraged after using the hibiclens last night. He looks awful but everyday I feel like we are a day closer to really seeing some noticible improvements. The Dr. said I should use the tramadol too just to keep him calm.

Peety was funny, I've said before he doesn't know how bad he is, at the Vet's office, his tail was wagging and he was soliciting hugs from everyone like it's no big deal and of course I'm a wreck.

Other than that, I know what we are dealing with and it's pretty ugly right now, but that's okay, Peety's heart isn't ugly and that's what I love.

Hope everyone is doing good with your lil ones.

Pat Peety's #1 fan.

Oh shoot, poor Peety and what a scare, hope he heals soon and so glad he is still wagging his tail!

Nothing like a quick dash of adrenaline. Did Peety think you were bored today. :) I'm glad you were able to get him to the vet right away. Hopefully every day will continue to be better than the day before. Those cc scabs are quite scary to begin with, the bleeding was just awful scary I'm sure.
That is so cute about how is tail was just a wagging at the vet office. How adorable is that!
Heats of gold these babies of ours have.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Oh Pat, how scary, but you and Peety handled it like pros. Seems like Peety is doing okay if he is wagging his tail and wantng love from the vets. Glad you got to the vet quickly. Never a dull moment with these babies. Glad we all found this forum, we don't feel so alone in our trying to help our pups. Hope you'll have a good day. Storms coming to Nashville, yikes. Love, JoAnne

Today was better, we had a good night and I am encouraged to see his calcium laden body looks a little drier today. His side is better, but after I washed him with the Hibiclens today, left his shirt off for drying and he managed to get the other side. Luckily I was standing there and intercepted his outta control scratching. Gave him a tramadol and he is now resting. I actually do see improvement. Certain areas I have been putting the coconut oil on like the backs of his legs are much improved. So maybe we are finally on to something. No new places coming out. So I'm thinking the prednisone had to have had alot to do with the way it all started popping out. Still on track to do the cushing's test, but everyday I see him improve just a little and it
is so heartwarming. Just got to get him past this itchey stage. Poor lil guy, he can't help it. But he's doing good, I am so much happier. :)

Hope everyone is doing good today. Happy almost TGIF....
Pat Peety's #1 fan :)

So happy to hear a good report on Peety. Every day that he improves is a good day.
Prednisone could definitely be a contributing factor. It is a cortisteroid, able to replace cortisol and raise it. All things that contribute to CC.
That coconut oil sounds like good stuff. So glad it is helping.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hello, hello! How are you and Peety? Hows the cc doing? Are they all getting better still?

Let us know when you can!!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin

Hi, we are not doing great, but then I have never seen this disease or know what exactly I should be expecting, I just know he looks like a seriously neglected lil guy. It makes me so sad, but I concentrate on keeping him clean and doctor the bad places. I did talk to my Vet, and we have scheduled the Cushing's test for May 6th. For now I am using the Hibiclens and neosporin and keeping him covered with a tee shirt. I do give him some time to just air out but It makes me sick to see his skin the way it looks. Maybe I will upload some pictures. I keep socks on his back legs, because he has no hair and it rubs against his bedding when he lays down and they are so raw. I keep neosporin on them and socks. He's happy with that. He is still eating good and playing and is generally very happy. No mirrors for him.LOL. Anyway, I guess we are doing the best we can. We are wheening him off his BP meds because my vet doesn't think he really needs them. He was 18 lbs, now 14, so every time he comes near the kitchen and acts like he is hungry he gets, fed. I figure he needs to be good and healthy for the coming weeks.

He is so patient and loves me for trying. I will never think I have done all that I can until I know I have and we are a looooong way from that. Hugs

Pat Peety's #1 fan

Pat: You are doing great to keep Peety doctored. I know it is awful for you and the sweet puppy. My little guy still has his cone on day and night and the sore on his foreskin is healing, but he has had it over a month. I feel so bad for him to have to keep the cone on day and night and only take it off when he eats and goes out. I know everything you are doing is helping Peety. Maybe when he gets his diagnosis the doctor can give you some medicine to help him. I am sending healing thoughts to you and Peety. Hope you have a restful night. Love, JoAnne

Thanks JoAnne, It's nice to know someone else has an almost perfect idea of what I am dealing with. Just to hear you say, I wish he didn't have to wear his cone day and night gives me a visual that I know all to well. And I am so sorry that you are dealing with the same thing. I know that I am making the right decisions, but that doesn't make him alright. When I do take the cone off I try to leave it off as long as possible, by keeping a close eye on him. He's so happy with it off. And it has become so important for me that he is happy. I am so afraid that his skin will never be the same. He is a mess, but his face is so sweet and he gives me lil kisses all the time. I love that.

Yes, hopefully after the test we can put him on something that will improve his skin situation. Everyday my hope is for more than I can even imagine. And my prayer is that God can read my mind, because I don't always know what to say or how to say it. Just make him well, that's pretty simple. Right? God get's it I know.

Take care, keep me updated with your progress and hugs to both of you. Pat Peety's #1 fan.

Oh Peety. His poor little body. I absolutely hate how the cc affects them. Are you seeing any improvement still with the coconut oil?
Everything that I have read says that to get control of cc and make it go into any kind of remission, the hormone levels need to be balanced to a normal level. Usually the cortisol has to come down too. Are you still going to do or are you doing the lignans and melatonin? Maybe that will help to bring the cortisol down.
I hate the cones as much as they do I think. My golden had to practically live in one for so much of the last years of her life. If it wasn't her skin, it was getting hematomas on her ear. She got pretty good with it, but she still was like a happy dog bouncing around when it was off, even for a bit.
Hang in there. You are trying to help Peety and I am sure that he knows that you are trying to help him.
HUGS,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin