Eli is a 7 year old Affinpincher who was just diagnosed with Calcinosis Cutis

[moxaman]

Hi I'm new here. This appears to be a wonderful forum so thanks for that. My dog Eli is a 7 year old Affinpincher who was just diagnosed with Calcinosis Cutis. He may or may not have Cushings, I'm waiting for the blood results. He has been on prednisone for 7 months due to a neck injury that causes ataxia. On pred he's just about normal. Presently he takes 2.5mg daily... he was on 5 mg daily initially and I was able to wean him off entirely until his symptoms returned. I can go every other day at 2.5mg for a couple of weeks but then he ataxia comes back. I know I have to get him off the pred... it's probably the cause of his CC. Was wondering if anyone has any ideas about a pred substitute. One vet neurologist wants to try gabapentin (Neurontin). I haven't started that yet. The CC doesn't seem to bother Eli much. The lesions are on his neck and one spot on his tail. I just put him on a grain free diet (Orijen Red) and add a small amount of organic turkey or salmon. I also add fish oil. Stopped all other supplements thinking he may be allergic to something. I apply colloidal silver topically to the lesions to keep them infection free (they are). Any thoughts, tips, cures, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Harley PoMMom]

Welcome to you and dear Eli! Sorry for the circumstances that brought you here but glad you found us.


I know I have to get him off the pred... it's probably the cause of his CC.

Yep, unfortunately you are probably right :( Prednisone is in a class of synthetic catabolic steroids which are designed to act like the glucocorticoids (cortisol). And when prednsione is used for a period of time it can cause a type of Cushing's known as Iatrogenic Cushing's. With this type of Cushing's a dog can display the same symptoms as the naturally-occurring Cushing's, while the only treatment for Iatrogenic that is needed is to slowly taper the steroid use.


Was wondering if anyone has any ideas about a pred substitute.

Gosh, I really wish I could be of more help there.

Hugs, Lori

[StarDeb55]

Here's a late welcome from me to you & Eli! First of all, let me say that I'm not for sure about this, it's just an idea. It might be possible to substitute dexamethasone for the prednisone. I know it can be done with people depending on the situation, so it might be worth a try running this by your vet. I don't think the dex would cause near the problems pred can, but that is the second question you need to ask.

Debbie

[Squirt's Mom]

Welcome to you and Eli! :)

Caution about Origen - it is a feed with HIGH proteins last I looked which is typically too high for most pups. Working dogs who are very active and use a great deal of energy every day need the higher protein levels. Origen Red has 38% protein. ;)


Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) 38.0%
Crude Fat (min) 18.0%
Crude Fiber (max) 3.0%
Moisture (max) 10.0%

I am not a fan of colloidal silver tho I know many who swear by it. I have read too many studies countering the current fad stating that this product puts heavy metals into the body - not something I even want to take the chance on so I do not use and never recommend it be used by others. There are just too many other things that can work as well without that added risk - and some that are just as harsh, like DMSO, that actually work. FYI - never, ever put essential oils on a dog or cat. Cats completely lack the liver enzyme Glucuronyl transferase required to remove the toxins in EOs and dogs have very little of that enzyme. By the time signs appear it is usually too late - organ failure has gone too far. ;) Another very dangerous fad currently - "EOs cure everything! Put it on all living creature liberally!" :eek::eek::eek: And before you get the wrong idea - I am very much in support of "natural" products...but I use my head and put it to work and research - I have learned the hard way things are seldom as advertised. ;) I use herbs with my pets and myself...but I have learned how to use the plant. ;)

I'm glad you found us and look forward to learning more!
Hugs,
Leslie and the gang

[Blues people]

Hi,
We have been giving our Blue, Epsom salt baths daily for the last week, for his severe CC. IT IS WORKING, not just for the lesions, but his muscles. He is 85 lbs, so it is a chore, but our spa tub is perfect for it and he actually has gotten over his 6 yr fear of water! He comes out all perky and soft and then gets his meds and off to bed, which we now change twice a day. He is also on ABX as vet thinks his cc is def worse due to an infection, which we are waiting on results. We have tried the sprays and the neo-pred powder( sparingly) which help temporarily.
If he seems uncomfortable mid day, we are doing Epsom salt compresses.
Hope this helps...if you want to try.