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Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis) - Buttercup is now in heaven
I am so glad I found this. I have so many ?'s . I have a wonderful girl name Buttercup she is a Amstaff Boxer mix . She will be 8 this January. She has been diagnosed with Cushings . Her test did not pinpoint Adrenal or Pituitary. I have an appt. For her on wed at UC Davis in the neurology ,internal and derma depts. to pinpoint the affected gland.I do understand that in rare cases that it can affect both and to start what ever treatment she needs.
She has developed calasinois cutis. What works the best to soothe her skin, is there a particular type of oatmeal that can be used and what is the best way to prep and use it??
Does anyone on this forum have a baby that has been diag with Cushings that is affecting both the adrenal and pituitary glands and if so, what was their demeanor like?? How long did it take for the signs to show up.
Here is her back story.
Buttercups personality started to gradually change at the end of last year. Wasn't chewing on her favorite antlers and stopped suckling on her blankie. So I thought well it is time to get her teeth cleaned, maybe she was having some issues starting to arise. So I got her in in feb. All her blood work was fine so we did the cleaning. It went well no gum issues and all her teeth were intacted and in good shape. So I was happy and thought she would start chewing and suckling her blanket again in a couple of weeks. Unforunately she did not.
She was still playful and happy but was sleeping a little more then normal but since it was winter and very wet and cold did not think very much about because I also wanted to stay in . Then in mid june she started to become a little slower, but we had lots of city workers on the property working on the sewer lines and she had to stay inside and could not go out with out supervision for about a month.
Then august I noticed that her belly looked bloated and she had become lathargic not more jumping up and putting for front legs around my waist hugging me and welcoming me home. So off to the Vet. After xrays and ultrasound they found enlarged liver and spleen but no masses were found, did byopsy on liver only found fatty cells, did find that she has some spurs.on her vertabras and in inflammed discs. So got her weight back down and added supplements for her joints. Then she started having accidents (peeing) in the house which she had never done before and was still very depressed and was starting to stare off into space to the point that we would have to snap her out of it and then she would be fine for awhile then off she would go again. Vet had me wen her off the pain meds thinking that was causing the peeing and dazing off into space. But it didn't, at the time her vet did mention the possibility of Cushing's and would have to test her. Then the next week while petting her I found a patch of her skin was kind of hard and another that was weeping. So back we went and sent samples off to the lab and it came back positive for calasinois cutis associated to her high level of cortisol. That when we did the lab work for Cushing's. And here we are. The cutis is on he hackle area and running down both her sides along the spine and a couple of spots on her chest by her armpit and on the back of the neck. She started scratching and before I could stop her she got 4 good stokes in on her right shoulder. I am using Hibistat wipes and neosporin on the wound which the vet said was fine since she can't like there anyways. I've also been giving her green tea compresses over the area and then let it dry out and put a tee shirt on her which has helped keep her from scratching.
Is there is anything else I can add to what I am doing for her to help her be more comfortable?
I know this was long but I felt if you had a little history on her it could answer a lot of ? that you all might have and speed up the advise process I am her advocate and will go the extra mile for her.
Thank you in advance for all your knowledge and support
Dawn and Buttercup
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup
Hello Dawn and Buttercup! I am so sorry for the reasons, but so glad you've found us!!
I apologize that I don't have time to post more right now. But I know that others will soon be stopping by, as well. Also, I am taking the liberty of adding "Calcinisis cutis" to your title so that other members who are also battling this symptom will be more likely to see you.
I think you will be getting expert advice at UC Davis, and we will be here to walk alongside you and Buttercup every step of the way. ;)
Best wishes, and I'll try to pop back again later.
Marianne
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Hello Dawn:
Sorry Buttercup is having troubles. My Tipper had both a pituitary tumor and adrenal. She has been treated for about 13 months now. The second on the Adrenal gland was not found right away. It was found a few months back on an Ultra Sound in the hospital. The vets office did not pick it up on their US because it was not high resolution like the hospital has. So far thank God her adrenal tumor has not grown. I am treating her with Vetoryl. You asked about the personality changing, and Tipper's certainly has. She get very irritable and nasty if she does not want to do something, will not sit to have her hair trimmed anymore, she will try to bite you. She has no patience at all. It has turned a very sweet girl into a little biting machine when she gets angry. Even tho she is sick she is still very powerful, and I have had to keep her and my other dog separated as she attacked him once. This is so out of character for her. I understand where it is coming from and have learned what sets her off, and try not to do it. She has become totally scared of any type of noise. Before it was just thunder and now it is everything. You are certainly going to a well respected place to find out what is going on with her, so I am sure they will be able to tell you if she has both. It will be ok, once you get into the swing of things and you will learn how to manage her. Blessings
Patti
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Hi Dawn and welcome to you and Buttercup! :)
I bet she is a hoot when she's feeling good! Staffie and Boxer?! WOOHOO what fun! :p
We have several folks here dealing with CC (Calcinosis cutis). To find these stories, go to the top of the page in the first narrow white bar and click on "Search". Enter "Calcinosis cutis" in the box, make sure it will search for "threads" not "posts", and then click "go". A page will open that shows all the threads where CC has been discussed. You will find the titles often bear the name "calcinosis cutis" like Marianne changed yours to read.
To get you started, here are a few links to threads -
Threads where calcinosis cutis is discussed:
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3940
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3870
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3765
And some links for you to check out -
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/in...m/bc/40502.htm
http://www.leospetcare.com/calcinosis-cutis/
A cream one of our members has had success using on her baby -
Cream used by Jackie for Ugga - http://www.tcvmherbal.com/
Finally, a link to images of CC - (caution, pics are rather graphic)
https://www.google.com/search?q=calc...w=1467&bih=652
I am very glad you found us and look forward to learning more about Buttercup and you as time passes. Ya'll are no longer alone on this journey - you are now family here and we stick by our family through thick and thin. Never hesitate to ask questions; we will do our best to help.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Hello and welcome from me too. U of Davis is an excellent facility with a lot of experience with cushings. We've had several members go there. For the moment try to keep her from scratching as you are doing. I think that once the numbers come down for cortisol that this will eventually start to clear up, but it can be one of the last things to clear. Peeing, ravenous eating, usually clear up first. What was the LDDS test numbers? I am guessing this is what you had done to try to distinguish between pituitary and adrenal?
Be careful using oatmeal, as the wounds can get a yeast infection (cushings lowers immune system and they are prone to infections then) and oatmeal feeds the years. You can also try chamomile tea compress too as it can be calming to the skin.
So glad you found us and welcome
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Her LDDS test results
Pre=8.5; 4 hour post= 7.6; 8 hour post= 7.7;
Per vet consistent with hyperadrencorticism:
:confused:
Sometimes I feel so frustrated trying to figure this all out!
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Hi Dawn,
A belated welcome to you and Buttercup from me as well. Those LDDs test results are indicative for Cushing's but they do not differentiate between the pituitary and adrenal form of Cushing's, an ultrasound could help with that. Here's a handy link to our Resource thread which can help you understand Cushing's disease: Links to Cushings Websites (especially helpful for new members!)
I'm providing you with links to other member's threads with dogs that are dealing with calcinosis cutis, also here is a post from one of our Moderator, Angela, where she has discussed calcinosis cutis.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sabre's Mum
... From my experience and research the calcinosis cutis generally will only get better if the cortisol levels are brought down from the high level. It may be that George may have iatrogenic cushings or it may be that George now has cushings. The only way to tell is through tests ... good luck on the 28th :).
It seems to me that you are on the ball with trying to "manage" the calcinosis cutis. We found that the medicated shampoos were too harsh and changed to an oatmeal shampoo which was left on for 5 minutes but we found that didn't really work. I found that DSMO was recommended but we were not able to source this in NZ. A note on this I understand that you should only use this on a certain percentage of total skin cover so would be careful with George. We used antibiotics pro-actively ... as soon as infections arose ... to try to get on top of it quickly. Epiotic to scuff off "stuff". Betadine to "dry" up the areas ... but not on broken skin.
If you have any further queries ... please ask away.
Angela and Flynn
Links: http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5679
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5449
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5561
If you have any questions please do ask them. ;)
Hugs, Lori
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Thanks for all the great links and supportive words. Lord knows that I have cried a river over all this. Now I have hope and the tunnel is not as dark and bleak as it was just a few days ago.
When I took her in at the end of august the vet did do an US because of her liver and spleen being enlarged, :eek:opps Butters just had a little accident caught her before flooded the kitchen took her out to finish, I always said she had an atomic bladder. She once was able to hold for a good 8 (over night) then in the morning KABOOM, you could see the joy in her face. :D
Ok where was I, when The vet performed the ultra sound she did not see any masses at the adrenal, but that was 2 months ago.:confused:not sure if things have changed with the adrenal . I guess I will have to wait till wed.
Thought I would never say this, but I'm kind of excited to get this hashed out and start her on the needed therapy that she needs, so that we can continue on together making memories.:)
I'm a realest & know that there will be lots of bumps in the road, and having all of you in this sad yet amazing forum( sad because Cushings even exist). We will be fine:) I have created an album with a couple of pics of her for you all to ck out .
Thanks again
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Hi Dawn,
When Squirt and I first started this journey, I was an emotional wreck. Squirt was and remains my life-line and the thought of her having a disease that was not curable was devastating for me. It felt as if my fragile world was ending. Then I found our family here. And in our family I found courage, hope, determination, and a love beyond words for each and every baby here along with knowledge and support that is out of this world. Over the last 5 years, we have had several bumps, some pretty rough, but through everything our family has stood shoulder to shoulder with me, holding my hand, wiping my tears, sharing my joy and laughter and hope. You, too, may find yourself in another dark tunnel or two but you won't walk through that tunnel alone - you will find some of us walking by your side and some standing in that light at the end holding out our hands, guiding you toward that light. You and Buttercup are family now, too, ya know, and you will never be alone just as I've never been alone since finding K9C.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Dawn:
We all go down this path together, some easier than others, so do not feel alone. This forum is all that stands between me and insanity. They have nurtured me through all Tipper's trials and tribulations, I would not be able to deal with this alone, they are all I have to lean on. Please we are walking this road with you, and will feel every bump as you do, so lean on us. Blessings
Patti
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Hi Dawn and Welcome,
I usually post this link to new members experiencing Calcinosis Cutis. I think it is scary perhaps to read but offers hope and understanding so I will post it for you
http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com...date=&pageID=3
I am so glad you found us and as Leslie has already said, this journey is so much easier when you are not alone and you no longer are alone.
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Does anyone has a cushing baby that developed visions issue. Played follow the piece of chicken to ck her responses and found that her parifial visor on the left is having issues and when move the chicken to the right side she was dead on it, did this a few times with the same results each time. Not finding any links on this. Please I need more info., really hope she doesn't have any other underlying condition that would interfer with her treatment...
Thanks for any info anyone has.
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Dawn, I am sorry to tell you that there is a particular visual disorder that manifests in conjunction with some of the same symptoms that are caused by Cushing's. The disorder is called SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome). The cause of the disease is not yet well understood, nor are the possible links to Cushing's. But this is most definitely something you will want to report to the folks at Davis today. Hopefully, they will be able to schedule an eye exam for her on-the-spot. Here is a link that will tell you more:
http://www.eyevet.ca/sards.html
I am so sorry you have this additional worry on your plate! But it is really good timing that you are heading to Davis today. They will be able to help with any needed diagnostics.
Don't forget -- we'll be riding along with you in spirit, and we'll be waiting on pins and needles for your report. :o
Marianne
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Dawn:
Good luck to you and Buttercup today. I am hoping you get the answers to thing you are wanting to know about, and get a clear plan of action for Buttercup. Good Luck Blessings
Patti
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Checking in to see how things went at Davis today! Hoping for a good report. Did the eye vet there get to see Buttercup?
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Feel like I am losing my mind!!n Just got off the phone with the Neurologist at UC Davis and she stated that,the endocrinologist has not seen CC caused by Cushing's alone and asked if she was on any type of steroids, is anyone in the household being treated with any type of steroids, really grilling me hard:mad:. Well the answer to that is a NO,:mad: no one in the house and not her,:mad: I ? her about her medical record/history that was sent to them and that everything she has ever been given was in that history for I have never taken her anywhere else excluding the dental cleaning that she had in Feb 2013.
I do not understand these ???:confused: after all that I have read and was under the impression that if anyone could help her it was here at UC Davis.:(
My stomach is sick, my head is spinning, my heart is aching and tears are streaming down .
I shot off an e-mail to her vet back home expressing my concern and requested that they send her complete history to them ASAP. ( found out they only sent info from this year:mad:)(I'm more then upset trying to contain my anger:mad:)...
Now the waiting game, waiting to hear back from Davis tonight and hopefully her Vet also.
Please help us
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Regarding her site, yes I did tell them and I even bought some chicken along so that I could demonstrate it for them, the neurologist
did check out her eyes and was able to see the optic nerve and said she had a mild ???? and that we could send her to the opt. dept for a better look. Today alone was 3200.00 she is worth every penny, but as you can see by my previous post I am a little beside my self. I am in a unknown territory by myself in a Inn 10 miles away from Davis and am trying to remain calm
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Dawn Anderson
Feel like I am losing my mind!!n Just got off the phone with the Neurologist at UC Davis and she stated that,the endocrinologist has not seen CC caused by Cushing's alone
I really do not know why she said that. CC is usually secondary to another illness and Cushing's is definitely at the top of that list. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this, remember deep breaths. ;)
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Just got off the phone with her Vet back home and she informed me that the office did send a copy of her complete file to them the same day that I made her appointment at UC Davis and that she will call them first thing in the morning and also have 1 of her girls resend the file. She feels that since there are so many people involved with her case, from students to interns and Dr. that there is some sort of miscommunication and or misunderstanding and or misinterpretation
and or missing pages from her history that led them to have the neuro resident grill me .(very poor bedside manner I must admit)
I even visited the Davis web library and even there in their own library there is literature written by their own staff confirming to connection between both natural occurring and treatment induced hormone conditions and cc..
So I will wait to hear from them (thank good I have ins. for her!!!!)
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
I feel so badly for you. A few years ago I was beside myself trying to figure out what was wrong with my Annie and stuck in a hotel 5 hrs away from home as I waited for results and tests etc. It is frightening. Just know you aren't alone - we are with you in spirit and send you strength. You are doing a great job. Praying you get answers you deserve. Kim
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
ok just got off the got off the phone with Davis and yes they have her file :)and yes they see that she has never been treated with any type of steroid at all.:) They just needed to double check(apparently some parents forget things, but not this 1) I did express my feeling on how the Dr. ? me and that the Dr. needs to remember that she is also dealing with humans and could really work on her bed side manner(yes I was nice about it;)).
she is resting comfortably, they took her for a walk and she pee'd like a race horse :D that my girl, drinking a lot of course and eating well. She is tentatively scheduled for the MRI at 9 am. They did notice that when walking her that if something passed her on the left she did not notice it but when something or someone passed on the right she would stop and check it out and then they would have to coax her along. she is walking well actually trotting down the halls.
Looks like I can get a little rest tonight, thinking of going down to the lounge or maybe out to eat now that all the calls have been made.
SO glad I found this forum, not know what I would have done not having anyone with me to talk to.
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
You're doing a good job, Mom! Sometimes we need to get angry, we need to stomp our feet, we need to make them listen to us. ;) I hope you were able to get some rest last night and that you get some answers today.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Stand your ground, we have your back, you are never alone.
Keep pressing, keep questioning, dont take any cr@#p from any of the people even if it is U.C.Davis
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Hoping for some answers for you today. I know how disgusted you feel, but keep moving forward and never quit! Blessings
Patti
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Oh my gosh, I am so glad that this has been straightened out. I agree, horrid bed side manner. Was that an intern or a doctor?
I do hope they can get this figured out for you and Buttercup. Besides being so very expensive it is very stressful for all of you.
You are doing really well though and UDavis does have a good reputation over all and has been one of the leading universites doing follow up research on cushings and vetroyl, etc. So I do have high hopes for them. (hopes key word!)
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Just reading your thread for the first time. You are not alone at all in the worrying, frustration and tears. We have all been there and in some cases still there so we know exactly what you are going through.
Sure hope you get the results quickly and can start the treatment process.
I'll be checking in to see how things are.
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
The US showed no masses at the adrenals no changes from the US that was performed in August. So that good, no unusual abnormalities
found when they x-rayed her chest. Just the enlarged liver.
I did notice yesterday while going through all the exams with her the
the skin condition is working its way to her private parts and her skins is getting all these tiny little black speckles, very thin and crappie. her beautiful fur is to thin and not growing back in the areas that were clipped back in Aug. & now with the weather getting cooler
I really feel for her. She is so good at wearing t's and her blanket coat I think she will be ok, but still nothing like a bad hair day that never seems to end.
Will update when I got more info. Oh I still woke up at 3:eek: to take her out then realized we were not home and she wasn't even here:(
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Good news indeed! YAY! So glad nothing was found to cause concern.
LOL I have done things like that soooo many times! Our minds simply cannot make those abrupt changes to routines very well at times, especially when we are the caregivers of such precious babies, huh? Just one more sign of the deep love you have for your sweet Buttercup.
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
That is indeed good news for you. Is your baby on a liver supplement? If not you may want to think about using one it does help them to support their liver. Blessings
Patti
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Thanks go out to all of you for having my back. I just got back from Davis visited with her for a few hours till it was time for her to get ready for the MRI. I meet 2 of the ladies that will be taking care of her during the anesthesia process and informed them that she is very sensitive to it and it take her a while to come out and become aware of what's going on. They thanked me for that info. they sat with us for a while and petted her, really showing compassion for the sweet girl.
She really can not see out of her left eye anymore, virtually no more menace response, I tried over and over again but nothing. The right side is good and strong.
Meet with the Dr. and she was much better face to face. Butters vet also called me to let me know that everything is going to be ok, that she is in the best place and that the head Dr. which is Dr. Nelson who's career spans 35 years and his specialty is endocrinology. And wouldn't you know it my girl is apart of a rare and small group that gets this rear acute extremely aggressive CC and lesions solely from PDH and that the ?? were needed.
She is so slow and runned down. Just wants to sleep. So now all I can do is wait for the call with the results.
I am leaving no stone unturned. No regrets even if the worse case scenario unfolds before me. Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. This is what I must do or I will go insane if its not good. would really like to have high hopes but I must be realistic about all of her different conditions that she now has. I new way back that something was going on in her brain, I voiced my concern to her Vet about her change. The slow gradual depression like condition.
Hope is still alive, but I must keep it in check. That might sound harsh to some but is what I have to do. Have sent 4 kitties back to heaven and learned so much from going through all that with those beloved babies.
Still praying but bracing for the worst.
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Checking in to see how things went with Buttercup today! Hope it is all positive news and they can get her on something to get that skin and coat issue taken care of.
hugs,
sharlene and molly muffin
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Oh I see we were typing at the same time. It is so hard isn't it. You want to hope for all you're worth that the news is good, but if it's not, the heart break will be unbearable. I think we all have our own ways of dealing with potential bad news and whatever works for each one of to keep the nerves in check, is good in my book. :) Big HUGS. I really hope that there isn't any bad news to deal with. When do expect to hear back on the results?
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
I know what you mean, prepare for the worst, just in case. I do that as well sometimes, well probably a LOT of times;);)
We will just hang out with you while you wait.:)
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Hi—
I just read through your thread. I basically have been in the midst of this for the last few weeks. My dog, Turtle, has severe calcinosis cutis (he has also never been on steroids and was diagnosed with PDH cushing's). It is insane how fast it spread. Basically in one month it spread over most of his back. It is the most horrible thing. Anyways for the first time it is starting to look better and I have read anything and everything I could. These are what we have done for treatment of the CC:
1. Twice daily DMSO (90% gel).
It is hard for me to know how much it helps the skin, although I do believe it has been helpful. However, I do know that it greatly helped Turtle's pain. It would relax him a lot about 10-15 minutes after I put it on. For that alone I believe it has been helpful. I have read that there are worries about serum calcium levels when DMSO is used on CC dogs over large areas, however, my vet is not worried about this and when his electrolytes were checked everything was normal.
2. Once daily bath with Ketochlor shampoo.
When my vet took smear samples of Turtle's skin there was a lot of yeast (for this reason I would suggest NOT using oatmeal based shampoo as I believe it agitates yeast problems). I leave the shampoo on for the recommended 10 minutes. I use a bowl of water and shampoo to lather it on outside of the bath, set the timer for 10 min, and then put him in the shower when the timer goes off.
Cushing's dogs and CC skin is very susceptible to secondary (bacterial and fungal) infections. The two active ingredients of Ketochlor are Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Ketoconazole. Oddly, Ketoconazole is taken orally to treat Cushings. However, both work to combat fungus and bacterial infections. I believe the daily shampoo has been really helpful. It also helps in debriding the wound.
3. At the very beginning, they took a sample and looked for MRSA (bacterial infection). They did not find any. However, three weeks later they took another sample to test for MRSA because his skin was smelling very bad and it tested positive for MRSA. So we had to change to an extreme oral antibiotic (he had previously been on amoxicilan and zeniquin). He is now taking Chlorephenicol.
4. When he started Trilostane (Vetrotyl) for his Cushings, his CC did stop spreading. However it definitely looked worse before better, like it is rising out of the skin or something. He is now 2 weeks in to Trilostane and his ability to heal himself is greatly improved. He is doing much better and I finally can see some light at the end of the tunnel. I would try to get your dog on Trilostane as fast as possible. There is talk about Lysodren being better for CC than Trilostane. I do not know about this, the reality is that there are very few actual studies on CC in veterinary journals that I can find, so that hypothesis is anecdotal. When my vet consulted local vet dermatologist on the question, the derm said he never treated CC with lysodren, that trilostane has been effective. Given the risk profile of the two drugs for me it was easy to choose, other people may have different opinions. Additionally, Turtle's appetite has been greatly reduced and we are not really sure why this is since this is the opposite of a Cushing's dog. I have wondered if it had to do with his skin issues and resulting pain. But basically we don't know...and my dog had always been a voracious eater.
5. I have been using some medical grade manuka honey at night on his wounds, this is not on Vet's advice but after learning about MRSA, I read studies that it can help. Again, I am not sure if it is helping or not.
Other than that I just have to say that CC is the worst. It has been excruciating to watch my dog in pain every day and realize that there is very little I could do about it (and trust me I combed for an answer— humans also get calcinosis and there is very little they can do, it is very unfortunate)
Basically you have to treat the underlying Cushings and be mindful of secondary infections to the skin. Also, you have to realize that the last thing to be healed will be the skin.
He hasn't been too itchy which is lucky. I dress him in hoodies for his walks and if/when he does start to itch, but we have been going through piles and piles of tiles in this house.
I wish you the best. Let me know if there is anything more you want to know!
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Oh, if you go to my albums there are photos of my doggy's calcinosis
http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=758
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
The results are back from the MRI yes its PDH the tumor is measuring 2.5 cm and is also pressing against her optic which is why
she ahs lost the vision in her left eye.:(
will be meeting with Radiology, internal & derma depts. tomorrow, to get a game plan put together for her treatment and start it ASAP:),she will be getting a CT and will start getting the protocol set for her to receive radiation laser treatment which is a 1 time treatment. (hopefully) Not sure if she will get the vision back:confused: and there is a possibility that she could go blind:( from the treatment only because of the location of the tumor:(.
They did not see any other abnormalities on the MRI:D. The Dr. wants to get her in by wed. or Thursday of next week which is fine by me:D. also not infections detected via urine test and blood work and preliminary skin test. ( thank god for Hibistat and Neosporin:D)..
Butters is doing well, came out of sedation slow but strong and is
drinking(of course) well:p.
Relieved that the wait is over and now we came move fast and hard with her treatments to get this under control.
I can finally exhale and truly fell a little joy and hope again. That last tunnel came up fast but it was a short tunnel and the light at the end came on like a light switch being turned on.;)
I will rest easier tonight knowing that I can get the laser treatment and stop this thing from growing anymore and to be able to shrink it down in size.:D:D:D
Exhaustion it kicking in hard. Maybe I need to get my hormone levels ck way to many adrenal rushes for me these last few weeks;)..
God bless all of you and all the cushy babies. Gonna finish this piece of cheese cake and then pass out.
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Wow Dawn! I'm so glad that you have a treatment plan and will be praying that she doesn't have any additional problems and that her sight comes back unaffected.
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Dawn, thanks so much for this report! I think it is awesome that they believe they can shrink the tumor with only one laser treatment -- that is a far cry from the old series of multiple treatments that used to be necessary :). And we'll all be praying that this leaves her vision intact and you can switch your focus to healing her skin as well.
Good job, both Mom and Buttercup!!!
Sending huge healing hugs,
Marianne
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
Dawn:
I am so happy you got answers. That is all we ask is for someone to give us answers. Now that you know what is going on, you are on top of things and have a game plan which is great. I pray this takes care of the sight problem, and I hope that nasty tumor goes away altogether. You sound more confident now and that is a good thing. Blessings
Patti
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Re: new to Cushing searching for advise for Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis)
? time. how many cushy babies out there had the laser treatment on
the pituitary? What was there average life span?? Neurologist threw a number of up to 2 years at me last night, she is only a resident Dr..
If its only 2 years that fine I would be happy with any number as long as I have to time to get her skin healthy again so she can live a more comfortably peaceful life.
What side effects did your cushies have with the laser treatment and what did you do to help ease/minimize them??
Much thanks to all
Dawn & Miss Buttercup;)