Help Needed! Rapidly worsening skin problem

[nubonics]

While expensive, I found that this helped with the sores. I would take a hand full and water it down a bit (place my hands with it in my palms and wet it a bit) and then smooth it into Curly's skin. I wish I had a good before picture but here is an after picture

ResQ Organics Pet Skin Treatment 8oz - Effective for Hot Spots, Mange, Itchy Skin, Allergies, Dry Nose, Cracked Paws, Promotes Hair Growth. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LR1ACDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_LTPjEb7TWEFF3

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[Sedaves]

We had cultures taken yesterday. She looks absolutely terrible and there seems to be no end in sight. The skin lesions are spreading, now a new sore opened up on the other cheek. It’s almost impossible for me to keep her from scratching. I did put the donut on her one day, but it rubs on all her already raw areas. I’m trying to remain hopeful that this will at least stop spreading. She’s now been on the Cushings meds for a week. I’m back to washing daily with chlorhexidine. The vet went ahead and prescribed another broad spectrum antibiotic to start while we wait for the culture results.

 

[2BullyMama]

We had cultures taken yesterday. She looks absolutely terrible and there seems to be no end in sight. The skin lesions are spreading, now a new sore opened up on the other cheek. It’s almost impossible for me to keep her from scratching. I did put the donut on her one day, but it rubs on all her already raw areas. I’m trying to remain hopeful that this will at least stop spreading. She’s now been on the Cushings meds for a week. I’m back to washing daily with chlorhexidine. The vet went ahead and prescribed another broad spectrum antibiotic to start while we wait for the culture results.

Poor girl... sorry to hear this, hopefully it will begin to settle down and clear up soon. Sending lots of positive thoughts


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[nubonics]

We had cultures taken yesterday. She looks absolutely terrible and there seems to be no end in sight. The skin lesions are spreading, now a new sore opened up on the other cheek. It’s almost impossible for me to keep her from scratching. I did put the donut on her one day, but it rubs on all her already raw areas. I’m trying to remain hopeful that this will at least stop spreading. She’s now been on the Cushings meds for a week. I’m back to washing daily with chlorhexidine. The vet went ahead and prescribed another broad spectrum antibiotic to start while we wait for the culture results.

Yes, with calcinosis Cutis it definitely gets worse before it gets better. Have you also seen a dermatologist? I wish there was some miracle cure for her!!!

As a side note, my Frenchie mix had cushings disease and passed away from surgery complications due to the Cushing's.

What I learned is that cushings disease actually suppresses the immune system which makes it tougher for the body to heal itself, especially inflammatory conditions. If you haven't been able to consult a specialist yet, it might be helpful as well. A general vet may not have the expertise here.

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[Dollys Owner]

While expensive, I found that this helped with the sores. I would take a hand full and water it down a bit (place my hands with it in my palms and wet it a bit) and then smooth it into Curly's skin. I wish I had a good before picture but here is an after picture

ResQ Organics Pet Skin Treatment 8oz - Effective for Hot Spots, Mange, Itchy Skin, Allergies, Dry Nose, Cracked Paws, Promotes Hair Growth. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LR1ACDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_LTPjEb7TWEFF3

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Looks like a great product ! I know that manuka honey ( gamma irradiated to sterilize it ) is used quite a bit in hospitals for really bad wounds. If you wanted to save a bit of money you could buy some manuka honey and mix it with a bit of organic virgin coconut oil and rub it in. https://www.amazon.com/Wedderspoon-Premium-Unpasteurized-Multi-Functional-Superfood/dp/B01DTAIXAG/ref=sxin_1_osp60-ddad69a5_cov?ascsubtag=ddad69a5-2401-4f87-9907-37bfedfb5007&creativeASIN=B014AP5JUG&crid=3839SM7KZXO8N&cv_ct_cx=wedderspoon%2Bmanuka%2Bhoney&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osp.ddad69a5-2401-4f87-9907-37bfedfb5007&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_wn=osp-search&keywords=wedderspoon%2Bmanuka%2Bhoney&linkCode=oas&pd_rd_i=B014AP5JUG&pd_rd_r=997b5774-650b-4d44-a2dd-cae55a6344ea&pd_rd_w=LMYLE&pd_rd_wg=vk3uc&pf_rd_p=62c00474-6fe0-420f-9956-a05256e04b43&pf_rd_r=J8C07YEPQS9K1201Y106&qid=1579653034&sprefix=wedders%2Caps%2C265&sr=1-1-32a32192-7547-4d9b-b4f8-fe31bfe05040&tag=mlbonsitepub-20&th=1

 

[BabyDuke]

We had cultures taken yesterday. She looks absolutely terrible and there seems to be no end in sight. The skin lesions are spreading, now a new sore opened up on the other cheek. It’s almost impossible for me to keep her from scratching. I did put the donut on her one day, but it rubs on all her already raw areas. I’m trying to remain hopeful that this will at least stop spreading. She’s now been on the Cushings meds for a week. I’m back to washing daily with chlorhexidine. The vet went ahead and prescribed another broad spectrum antibiotic to start while we wait for the culture results.

I am so sorry. I wanted to mention to you, our last bulldog Duke had the most horrific skin issues I had ever seen. We found a student teaching vet school and took him to a dermatologist there and they were able to come up with meds that helped him. On another note, Oliver our Bully we have now who is 3 has these same lesions on his back. I have been using Nu Stock cream and it is honest to God a miracle cream. it helps so much with the itch and is healing. Also what I found worked when he is severe with his itching I rotate Zyrtec and Benadryl. the dermatologist told us this was ok, I give two zyrtec in am, and two benadryl at night. You are not alone. I truly understand how incredibly stressful it is especially when you don't have answers. Hang in there and reach out to us if you need to!

 

[helsonwheels]

I am so sorry. I wanted to mention to you, our last bulldog Duke had the most horrific skin issues I had ever seen. We found a student teaching vet school and took him to a dermatologist there and they were able to come up with meds that helped him. On another note, Oliver our Bully we have now who is 3 has these same lesions on his back. I have been using Nu Stock cream and it is honest to God a miracle cream. it helps so much with the itch and is healing. Also what I found worked when he is severe with his itching I rotate Zyrtec and Benadryl. the dermatologist told us this was ok, I give two zyrtec in am, and two benadryl at night. You are not alone. I truly understand how incredibly stressful it is especially when you don't have answers. Hang in there and reach out to us if you need to!

Yes NuStock is really great stuff. I’m glad it’s working!!!

 

[helsonwheels]

[MENTION=19428]Sedaves[/MENTION], have you changed his diet? Basically the immune system is completely shot. We all try to give advice n some helps n some won’t... Every dog is different. But definitely go raw. To build the immune system go raw but “only” tripe. Forget the balance ratio for now. Animals can stay simply on the frozen green smelly tripe. Get the NuStock which you can thin it out a bit with mineral oil. Wear gloves n massage in. It will help a lot.

 

[Sedaves]

[MENTION=19428]Sedaves[/MENTION], have you changed his diet? Basically the immune system is completely shot. We all try to give advice n some helps n some won’t... Every dog is different. But definitely go raw. To build the immune system go raw but “only” tripe. Forget the balance ratio for now. Animals can stay simply on the frozen green smelly tripe. Get the NuStock which you can thin it out a bit with mineral oil. Wear gloves n massage in. It will help a lot.

They have been transitioning to raw for a couple weeks now, and I've still been giving kibble too. They get raw hamburger with some steamed veggies (carrots and broccoli), yogurt, and coconut oil at dinner. I haven't figured out where to get the green tripe. I also found you can get it canned too. I did ask the vet about the raw diet and he was hesitant because her immune system is compromised.

I've been giving the benadryl 2-3 times per day still. She is still itchy and tries to rub herself all over the walls and furniture. I will definitely pick up the Nustock. The vet also ordered the DMSO spray, which I haven't picked up yet.

Oh, and my vet did say he could refer me to a dermatologist/and or specialist if we can't get this under control. My veterinarian is a wonderful husband/wife team, and I do feel like they are pretty thorough and do their research. Last week there was a veterinary conference about 2hrs away, and the wife specifically attended a Cushings discussion and asked for pictures of Millie's skin lesions.

Still waiting on culture results. She has started Minocycline and it does seem to be drying the oozing up.

Thanks everyone for checking up! Will keep everyone posted.

 

[Dollys Owner]

They have been transitioning to raw for a couple weeks now, and I've still been giving kibble too. They get raw hamburger with some steamed veggies (carrots and broccoli), yogurt, and coconut oil at dinner. I haven't figured out where to get the green tripe. I also found you can get it canned too. I did ask the vet about the raw diet and he was hesitant because her immune system is compromised.

I've been giving the benadryl 2-3 times per day still. She is still itchy and tries to rub herself all over the walls and furniture. I will definitely pick up the Nustock. The vet also ordered the DMSO spray, which I haven't picked up yet.

Oh, and my vet did say he could refer me to a dermatologist/and or specialist if we can't get this under control. My veterinarian is a wonderful husband/wife team, and I do feel like they are pretty thorough and do their research. Last week there was a veterinary conference about 2hrs away, and the wife specifically attended a Cushings discussion and asked for pictures of Millie's skin lesions.

Still waiting on culture results. She has started Minocycline and it does seem to be drying the oozing up.

Thanks everyone for checking up! Will keep everyone posted.

Glad to hear the minocycline is drying up the infected areas. Don't worry about buying any tripe, the canned won't have any live bacteria. Just buy some commercial dog probiotic like Probiotic Miracle or give raw goats milk or live sauerkraut from the refrigerator section of a health food store or milk kefir if it doesn't cause the runs. You'll need to continue probiotic while on antibiotic and at least for a couple weeks after

 

[nubonics]

[MENTION=19428]Sedaves[/MENTION] if the Calcinosis Cutis case is similar to Curly's, in which there in e coli present in the skin culture, you will need to avoid raw foods because his body is not able to battle e coli

Glad to hear that you have a lot of trust in your vet. Given the Cushing's I would still want to see a specialist/someone who has decided to focus their career on a speciality vs generalize medication.

Primary reason is - one of the big factors that I lost my Frenchie is that he was not diagnosed by 3 separate Family vet practices in three different states (military family, we move a lot).

We had suspected Cushing's but we never went to see a specialist...nor was it ever suggested that we see one.

When Sully had to have rush surgery (obstruction) we took him to an ER and the ER surgeon on duty happened to be a neurologist. He told us that he has all the signs of cushing's and he would be surprised if he didn't have cushing's. The neurologist also warned us that if his body doesn't heal, then it is due to cushing's. He did mention that if we did have the Cushing's under better control, the likelihood of him surviving the surgery would have been a lot greater.

It was a devestating loss for us ... We wish we had known better but Sully did live a very very happy life.

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[Sedaves]

Glad to hear the minocycline is drying up the infected areas. Don't worry about buying any tripe, the canned won't have any live bacteria. Just buy some commercial dog probiotic like Probiotic Miracle or give raw goats milk or live sauerkraut from the refrigerator section of a health food store or milk kefir if it doesn't cause the runs. You'll need to continue probiotic while on antibiotic and at least for a couple weeks after

Good to know about the canned. I did buy some raw goats milk today at the dog food store. Hoping we are on the upswing!

 

[Sedaves]

[MENTION=19428]Sedaves[/MENTION] if the Calcinosis Cutis case is similar to Curly's, in which there in e coli present in the skin culture, you will need to avoid raw foods because his body is not able to battle e coli

Glad to hear that you have a lot of trust in your vet. Given the Cushing's I would still want to see a specialist/someone who has decided to focus their career on a speciality vs generalize medication.

Primary reason is - one of the big factors that I lost my Frenchie is that he was not diagnosed by 3 separate Family vet practices in three different states (military family, we move a lot).

We had suspected Cushing's but we never went to see a specialist...nor was it ever suggested that we see one.

When Sully had to have rush surgery (obstruction) we took him to an ER and the ER surgeon on duty happened to be a neurologist. He told us that he has all the signs of cushing's and he would be surprised if he didn't have cushing's. The neurologist also warned us that if his body doesn't heal, then it is due to cushing's. He did mention that if we did have the Cushing's under better control, the likelihood of him surviving the surgery would have been a lot greater.

It was a devestating loss for us ... We wish we had known better but Sully did live a very very happy life.

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Oh that's terrible. I wish they could stay with us so much longer. All that matters is they have a happy good life though.

The culture results came back, but she didn't specify which bacteria were present. She did say the minocycline is appropriate to treat her infection though, so we are continuing with that. Between your suggestion and the vet saying her immune system may not be able to handle raw, maybe I will hold off on the raw patties until she's more healthy.

We have our appointment for re-check to make sure her levels are right from the trilostane in about 2 weeks. It's a bit past the recommendation for testing, but I changed (reduced) her dosage after reading up on the meds and information from the Cushing's group on facebook. I'd rather start low and move up than have a bad reaction.

 

[Dollys Owner]

They have been transitioning to raw for a couple weeks now, and I've still been giving kibble too. They get raw hamburger with some steamed veggies (carrots and broccoli), yogurt, and coconut oil at dinner. I haven't figured out where to get the green tripe. I also found you can get it canned too. I did ask the vet about the raw diet and he was hesitant because her immune system is compromised.

I've been giving the benadryl 2-3 times per day still. She is still itchy and tries to rub herself all over the walls and furniture. I will definitely pick up the Nustock. The vet also ordered the DMSO spray, which I haven't picked up yet.

Oh, and my vet did say he could refer me to a dermatologist/and or specialist if we can't get this under control. My veterinarian is a wonderful husband/wife team, and I do feel like they are pretty thorough and do their research. Last week there was a veterinary conference about 2hrs away, and the wife specifically attended a Cushings discussion and asked for pictures of Millie's skin lesions.

Still waiting on culture results. She has started Minocycline and it does seem to be drying the oozing up.

Thanks everyone for checking up! Will keep everyone posted.

re: diet
If you do give raw dog food ( ie. immune system is good enough to handle it ), it's better to buy a commercial frozen raw since it's got the appropriate blend of muscle, bones, and organs. If you are temporarily feeding raw hamburger, make sure it has been frozen first and then thawed in fridge, since freezing will kill any parasites but not the bacteria.

 

[ddnene]

@Sedaves if the Calcinosis Cutis case is similar to Curly's, in which there in e coli present in the skin culture, you will need to avoid raw foods because his body is not able to battle e coli

Glad to hear that you have a lot of trust in your vet. Given the Cushing's I would still want to see a specialist/someone who has decided to focus their career on a speciality vs generalize medication.

Primary reason is - one of the big factors that I lost my Frenchie is that he was not diagnosed by 3 separate Family vet practices in three different states (military family, we move a lot).

We had suspected Cushing's but we never went to see a specialist...nor was it ever suggested that we see one.

When Sully had to have rush surgery (obstruction) we took him to an ER and the ER surgeon on duty happened to be a neurologist. He told us that he has all the signs of cushing's and he would be surprised if he didn't have cushing's. The neurologist also warned us that if his body doesn't heal, then it is due to cushing's. He did mention that if we did have the Cushing's under better control, the likelihood of him surviving the surgery would have been a lot greater.

It was a devestating loss for us ... We wish we had known better but Sully did live a very very happy life.

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I'm SO sorry to hear your story... my boxer Roxie had cushings, and we didn't see a specialist either. She went downhill so very fast, I wonder if a neurologist could've helped her too.