Calcinosis Cutis in Dogs - Calcium Deposits in Dog Skin

Calcinosis cutis is a skin lesion that occurs due to the abnormal deposition of calcium salts in the skin. Specifically, lesions are usually made of the mineral deposits known as apatites. This calcification can occur in different parts of the skin, including the dermis, the hypodermis or, more rarely, the epidermis.

It is usually a process that is associated with other health alterations or pathologies. We will describe these in more detail in the following sections. However, the actual pathological mechanism by which calcinosis cutis occurs is still unclear. In some cases, genetic predispositions may play a role, although this is not yet fully understood.

Calcinosis cutis in dogs is classified into 4 main groups depending on its cause:

• Metastatic: these are calcifications that occur in situations of hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood) on normal tissues. This type is often linked to conditions that affect calcium metabolism.
• Dystrophic: these are calcifications that occur in situations of normocalcemia (normal levels of calcium in the blood) in tissues that have a previous injury. Often, these injuries can be due to trauma or inflammatory processes.
• Iatrogenic: these are calcifications that occur as a result of some therapeutic treatments. Prolonged use of certain medications may contribute to this type.
• Idiopathic: these are calcifications in which there is no demonstrable cause or factor, i.e., they have an unknown origin. They usually occur in dogs less than a year old, indicating a possible developmental anomaly.

There are other types of calcinosis in dogs, but they are usually variations of the above. For further information, take a look at our article on the various skin diseases in dogs.

Now we know the nature of calcinosis cutis in dogs, we must explain its possible causes. They include:

• Hyperadrenocorticism: consists of increased levels of glucocorticoids in the blood. This is by far the leading cause of calcinosis cutis in dogs. Hyperadrenocorticism most often occurs for two main reasons, Cushing's syndrome in dogs or prolonged treatment with corticosteroids. Learn more with our article on corticosteroids for dogs.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD): it is a pathology that causes hypercalcemia. CKD can severely impact the body's ability to regulate minerals.
• Tissue lesions: including tumors, foreign bodies, areas of necrosis, purulent foci or parasitic foci. These can create localized environments conducive to calcification.
• Calcium injections: as a side effect of the administration of calcium injection supplements. Improper dosing can lead to unintended side effects.

In addition to these causes, we must not forget there are cases of idiopathic calcifications. These are cause of unknown origin which may or may not be determined in the future. Research is ongoing to better understand these cases and their potential triggers.

The main symptom is the growth of calcium deposits which form plaques on the skin. However, there are also other dermatological signs that can be observed in dogs with calcinosis cutis. These include the following:

• Foci of calcification may appear as hard, irregular nodules on the skin or as yellowish-white crusty plaques. These formations can sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions.
• The lesions are often accompanied by erythema (redness of the skin) and alopecia (hair loss). Hair loss around the affected area can exacerbate skin irritation.
• In some cases, the calcifications can ulcerate and discharge calcareous material. In these cases, the lesions often become infected and a pyoderma develops. This can cause significant discomfort to the animal.

It should be noted that the most frequently affected areas in cases of calcinosis cutis in dogs are:

• Back
• Head
• Groin region

It is important not to confuse the calcified lesions which accompany calcinosis cutis in dogs. For a better understanding of similar skin conditions, take a look at our article on why my dog has pimples to learn some other causes.

Image: veterinariansvalencia.es

To reach the diagnosis of calcinosis cutis, the following points are necessary:

• Anamnesis and clinical history: it is important to know if the animal shows other symptoms of disease or if they have undergone any treatment that may be the origin of calcinosis cutis. Detailed historical information can offer critical insights into the potential underlying causes.
• Examination of the lesions: as we have mentioned in the previous section, the disease can present in firm nodules to crusty plaques on the skin, usually in the back, head, and groin areas. Visual inspection is complemented by palpation to assess the texture and extent of the lesions.
• Biopsy and histopathological analysis: to reach the definitive diagnosis it is necessary to take a biopsy and perform a histopathological analysis of the skin lesions. This process helps confirm the presence of calcium deposits and rule out other possible conditions.

However, in addition to diagnosing the lesion (i.e., calcinosis cutis), it is important to identify its specific cause in order to establish a specific treatment. For this, other diagnostic tests may be necessary, such as blood and urine tests, laboratory tests, imaging tests, etc. Advanced imaging techniques can help visualize internal organ involvement, if any.

Read our related article to learn about understanding a dog's blood test.

Once the veterinarian has provided a positive diagnosis of calcinosis cutis in dogs, they will administer the following treatment:

• A specific treatment must be first established for the underlying pathology that has caused this injury. As there are idiopathic cases of calcinosis cutis that do not have a known cause, it is not feasible to establish a specific treatment. However, it should be noted this type of calcinosis usually resolves spontaneously in less than a year. Monitoring the condition closely is key to ensuring no secondary complications arise.
• In addition to specific treatment, it is important to treat possible complications of canine calcinosis cutis, such as pyoderma (bacterial skin infection). In these cases, it will be necessary to establish an antibiotic treatment and apply weekly baths with antiseptics (such as benzoyl peroxide). These measures help prevent further infection and promote healing.
• Small deposits are usually reabsorbed when the primary cause is removed and a specific treatment is instituted. However, larger deposits may require surgical removal. Surgery is considered when deposits cause significant discomfort or do not respond to medical management.

Given the complexity of the treatment, it is essential to go to the veterinary clinic at the first symptom. This will both diagnose the problem and find the underlying cause that produces it. Early intervention can significantly improve the prognosis and quality of life for the affected dog.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Calcinosis Cutis in Dogs - Calcium Deposits in Dog Skin, we recommend you visit our Skin problems category.