Calcinosis Cutis -- DMSO/CS?

January 3, 2005

I asked this question on the Silverpets list and received a

suggestion the place to perhaps get an informed answer is here.. so

hopefully?????

While I'm comfortable with CS, I'm still feeling my way with DMSO and

before I make a mistake wanted to ask for some expert advise. Our 11-

year-old Cocker, Mellie, has Cushings. She is doing very well with a

combination of Lysodren, PS, Herbs and Adrenal's.

The way we first found out she had this was the thinning hair, but

also growths on her ears, face and back. We had some removed last

year and it appeared they came back. In June her blood work was

still good. this time the Liver Enzyme indicative of Cushings was

very elevated so we did the stim test and she was diagnosed positive

for Cushings.

HOWEVER, we still have the issue of the growth(s) which I know now is

calcinosis cutis. One on the side of her face weeps quite a lot

because it itches and she rubs it. Yesterday I took a bottle with CS

and a small amount of DMSO and tried to put on the site of the one

that seems the most worrysome. Problem with dogs, you can't tape

easily to their fur so I took gauze and held it for a few minutes on

the site. I guess some must have gotten into the site, because it

absorbed through my fingers and I tasted it for a long time last

night. Didn't seem to affect her.

I found this notation online today: " No medication is predictably

helpful in treating the condition; there has been some success using

topical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) under veterinary guidance. Upon

withdrawal of steroids any associated ulcers may heal in two to 12

months. Surgical excision of the calcified lesions may be

appropriate, especially if the calcium deposits disrupt normal

function. "

The vet is not wanting to anesthetize her right now for surgery. So,

my questions is what suggestions those of you with more experience

with DMSO might have for me????

TIA,

Carolyn Harlan

Arizona

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