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Tips for Treating Calcinosis Cutis

Updated: 6 days ago

Out of all the symptoms of Cushing’s disease, the most difficult to deal with is probably calcinosis cutis. If your dog has calcinosis cutis, you’ll notice raised, hard areas with gritty surfaces on his or her skin. This is caused by calcium deposits in the dermis of the skin and can be very raw and painful.


One of the things that makes calcinosis cutis so difficult is that, even when a dog is on a steady dose of medication, it can take a while to improve and often gets worse before getting better. Once cortisol is under control, your dog’s body will eventually stop forming new lesions, but the progression tends to be slow.


The good news is that there are several products that can help with the healing process. I’ve listed the most popular ones below. Please note, these suggestions are not meant to replace advice from a medical professional. I recommend consulting your veterinarian before beginning any treatment.


Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)


DMSO is a topical gel used to treat calcinosis cutis and other inflammatory conditions in dogs and horses. The dose varies but is usually a thin layer applied to affected areas every 24 hours. 99% DMSO gels should be diluted with water. A common dilution is 50% DMSO mixed with 50% distilled water. Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate concentration based on your dog’s needs.


NOTE:  Use DMSO with caution. Wear disposable gloves when applying. Apply only to clean, dry skin, as it will move anything on the skin into the bloodstream of your dog.


As with any medical product, please be on the lookout for adverse effects when using DMSO. Although generally safe, it can cause calcium to be absorbed into the bloodstream and other rare side effects. If using this product, consider having your dog's calcium levels periodically checked by a veterinarian.


Activated charcoal powder


Some pet owners say that activated charcoal baths have improved their dog’s skin lesions. Activated charcoal is widely available through Amazon and several other stores. Make sure that you buy a powder formulation.


To use:


(1) Scoop out charcoal and mix with water to make a paste. The amounts of charcoal and water will depend on how much paste you need for your particular dog and your desired consistency.

(2) Coat your dog’s lesions with the paste.

(3) Leave on for about 20 minutes.

(4) Rinse the paste off with water while gently rubbing the lesions. This will encourage crust and scabs to flake off.

(5) Make sure your dog is thoroughly dry after rinsing.


Douxo S3 Products


Douxo products can help to soothe irritated skin. Here are the products usually recommended for calcinosis cutis:


Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal shampoo

Douxo S3 PYO Antiseptic Antifungal Mousse


Colloidal Oatmeal Shampoo


Colloidal oatmeal shampoo is known to relive itch and irritation.


Lotions and ointments


Consider using a soothing ointment. All purpose Nu-stock is one that has good reviews from owners of dogs with calcinosis cutis. Your veterinarian may have other recommendations.


Manuka Honey


Scientific studies show that manuka honey may be effective for treating skin conditions, due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be applied directly to your dog’s lesions.


T-shirts or onesies


Since calcinosis cutis can be itchy, dogs will want to scratch their skin. Putting t-shirts or onesies on them can prevent scratching.



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