steroid-induced metastatic calcinosis in dogs

[DW]

I wonder if anyone has ever experienced the same as what we are with Harley at the moment.

Appreciating that due to the fact he has been on steroids for so long now, that he can develop skin sores and lesions,  I have to say that I am really concerned about the mess his back is in at the moment.   He is on anti-biotics and if I was truthful, there seems to be a slight improvement on some of the areas but it still looks horrible.

We have had the results of the hair fol test that was sent off and though they are still awaiting for an extensive Ringworm test to come through - they think this will return a negative as well, meaning that there is no Mites, Bacterial infections showing up.
I gather that these test are never conclusive and even my Vet at Cambridge has confirmed this and it is his opinion that it is probably the fact that he has been on long-term steroids, we are getting this problem.
What I can't understand is why now?    he has been battling this disease for two years and apart from very bad dandruff, we haven't had any skin issue (though he had developed little sores inside his mouth if you recall and they are still there, off and on).

He is on Cephalexin at the moment, has had one 10 day course and has just started another.   I gather that he may need to take these for some time and even if the problem goes, we have to continue for a further week after.
I have been putting Aloe Vera on the sores with minimal effect.

Has anyone had this problem?    I am wondering if it could be steroid-induced metastatic calcinosis as I gather that this disease is sometimes seen in dogs with Cushings?     I have tried to find some info about this but it talks about Cancers and all sorts of serious issues and frankly it scared me.    I would love to be able to put something on these sores to try and help.....wondered if Iodine solution may help or Oatmeal.
Has anyone used these and how?

Any advice would be so appreciated......I am so upset about this.....it seems to be one thing after another.

Oh also, he is on Melatonin and I wonder if this may have caused it and if I should consider stopping them?

Thank you for any help

Gwyneth

[Jo CIMDA]

Oh also, he is on Melatonin and I wonder if this may have caused it and if I should consider stopping them?

Thank you for any help

Gwyneth

Hi  again Gwyneth

I looked up Melatonin in Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and it stated that 'Adverse effects include puritis'.  Puritis can be used to describe itching but this may develop into pyoderma which is a term used for skin infection.

I am not saying that Melatonin is having this side effect but you did raise a concern.

How is Harley's liver?  As you know dogs on steroids have raised liver enzymes and they can usually cope ok with this unless Cushing's becomes a real problem, and Harley is not anywhere near a 'real problem' otherwise you would be seeing many clinical signs of Cushing's.    Melatonin is cleared through the liver so next time you have Harley's platelet count done perhaps you can have a full biochemical test done too.  It is always a good idea to have a full biochem' done from time to time.

Jo