Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog developed widespread skin calcium deposits after leptospirosis
By Munday, John S et al.·Published in Veterinary dermatology·2005·New Zealand Veterinary Pathology Ltd. and Department of Pathobiology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Generalized calcinosis cutis associated with probable leptospirosis in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 6.5-year-old male German Shepherd suddenly became very ill with kidney and liver problems. Tests showed he had leptospirosis, a bacterial infection, which was treated successfully with antibiotics and supportive care over 12 days. After recovering, he developed hair loss and skin lesions on his back and rear, which worsened over the next few weeks. Although the lesions were concerning, they eventually healed on their own without treatment. This case highlights a rare skin condition that can occur in dogs after serious illnesses.
People also search for: dog kidney disease symptoms · German Shepherd skin problems · leptospirosis treatment in dogs
Abstract
A 6.5-year-old male German Shepherd acutely developed renal and hepatic disease. Serology revealed high concentrations of antibodies against Leptospira copenhageni, and a presumptive diagnosis of leptospirosis was made. The dog was successfully treated with antibiotics and supportive care over a 12-day period. Sixty-two days after the initial presentation, alopecia predominantly involving the dorsum and perineal areas developed. The skin lesions expanded over a 20-day period. Histology revealed generalized calcinosis cutis with follicular atrophy. An injection of 0.01 mg kg-1 dexamethasone suppressed serum cortisol concentrations. No treatment was given and lesions resolved over the following 30 days. This is the third case of generalized calcinosis cutis that has developed in an adult dog after severe systemic disease. Both previous cases developed calcinosis cutis in association with blastomycosis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of generalized calcinosis cutis in an adult dog in association with a presumptive bacterial infection.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16359308/