Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with widespread skin calcium deposits linked to fungal infection
By Holahan, Melissa L et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2008·College of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Generalized calcinosis cutis associated with disseminated paecilomycosis in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 4-year-old spayed female mixed breed dog was brought to the vet after experiencing vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite for two weeks. Tests showed that her liver and spleen were enlarged due to a fungal infection caused by Paecilomyces variotii. She was treated with antifungal medication and supportive care. However, 18 days later, she developed firm, plaque-like skin lesions in her groin area, which were diagnosed as calcinosis cutis (a skin condition where calcium deposits form). This case highlights a new link between this skin condition and the fungal infection.
People also search for: dog vomiting and lethargy · calcinosis cutis in dogs · Paecilomyces infection treatment · dog skin lesions causes
Abstract
A 4-year-old spayed female mixed breed dog was referred to the Michigan State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital (MSU-VTH) with vomiting, lethargy and anorexia of 2 weeks duration. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasonography showed hepatosplenomegaly. Cytological evaluation of ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirates of the liver and spleen revealed fungal organisms and pyogranulomatous inflammation; fungal culture documented Paecilomyces variotii infection. The dog received antifungal therapy and supportive care. Multiple firm plaque-like skin lesions, predominantly involving the inguinal region, developed 18 days after initial presentation and were diagnosed histopathologically as calcinosis cutis. While generalized calcinosis cutis has been reported in three dogs with blastomycosis and one dog with leptospirosis, the association with disseminated Paecilomyces spp. infection is novel.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19037918/