Buttercup (Calcinosis cutis) - Buttercup is now in heaven

[Dawn Anderson]

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

[labblab]

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

[goldengirl88]

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

[Squirt's Mom]

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!

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

[molly muffin]

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

[Dawn Anderson]

Her LDDS test results
Pre=8.5; 4 hour post= 7.6; 8 hour post= 7.7;
Per vet consistent with hyperadrencorticism:

Sometimes I feel so frustrated trying to figure this all out!

[Harley PoMMom]

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.

... 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

[Dawn Anderson]

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, 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.
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.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

[Squirt's Mom]

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

[goldengirl88]

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