Calcinosis cutis means calcium builds up in the skin. It is not common in dogs. It usually shows up when a dog’s body has too much glucocorticoid (cortisol-type) hormone for a long time [1][3]. That extra hormone can come from a medicine (vets call this iatrogenic) or from the dog’s own adrenal glands (endogenous) [2][3].
Have your vet check any new skin change on your dog. Do not stop or change any medicine without talking to your vet.
What it is linked to
Cushing’s disease. Hyperadrenocorticism is the medical name for Cushing’s disease. A University of Minnesota dermatology handbook lists calcinosis cutis among the common skin signs of the disease, along with even hair loss that does not itch, thin skin, slow wound healing, skin that bruises easily and repeat skin infections [1]. It says calcinosis cutis shows up in roughly 4 in 10 dogs with the disease [1]. For its other skin signs, see hair loss in dogs.
Glucocorticoid medicines. Glucocorticoids are a group of hormone medicines. The same handbook explains that giving them for a long time, by mouth, on the skin or by injection, can cause a Cushing’s-like state in a dog of any age or breed [1]. A study of 46 affected dogs found that these medicines seem to make calcinosis cutis more likely, but the authors could not say whether a certain amount or mix of factors sets it off [2].
Kidney disease. In that study, most dogs had received a glucocorticoid medicine or made too much of the hormone themselves. The five dogs left over had kidney disease (renal insufficiency) [2].
Pressure points. Dogs with Cushing’s disease have thin skin and can get deep sores over pressure points such as the elbow and hock [1]. For swellings over the elbow, see elbow hygroma in dogs.
Which dogs get it
In the study of 46 dogs, Labrador retrievers, Rottweilers, boxers and Staffordshire terriers came up most often [2]. This was one hospital’s group of dogs, so it does not mean other breeds are safe.
What it looks like
The handbook describes firm, red to whitish raised patches (plaques) that can break open [1]. Over time a pale crust that sticks tightly forms on top, often as the skin pushes the calcium out. When a patch has broken open, the crust is usually black [1]. The patches most often appear on the neck, belly and groin, but they can turn up anywhere, even between the toes or around the bottom [1].
In a 2026 study of 12 dogs, vets looked at the patches through a magnifying tool (dermoscopy). Every patch showed bright white areas with no clear pattern, plus redness [3]. Under the microscope, those white areas turned out to be calcium in the dermis, the deeper layer of the skin [3].
How vets diagnose it
In both studies, the dogs’ calcinosis cutis was confirmed with a biopsy [2][3]. A biopsy means taking a small piece of skin to look at under a microscope. The 2026 study found dermoscopy helpful for a first look at these patches [3]. Your vet may also run tests to look for Cushing’s disease or another cause [1].
Treatment
Your vet will advise on treatment for your dog, including any underlying cause.
At home, as directed by a vet:
- do not pick at or scratch the affected skin;
- do not put human or leftover products on your dog’s skin unless your vet says so;
- go back for every recheck your vet books.
When to see your vet
See your vet if your dog has:
- a new skin change you cannot explain;
- skin changes while it takes a glucocorticoid medicine [1][2];
- sores over the elbows or other pressure points [1].
The bottom line
Calcinosis cutis is a build-up of calcium in a dog’s skin. It is most often tied to Cushing’s disease or long-term glucocorticoid medicines, and less often to kidney disease. Only a vet can confirm it and find the cause.
This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your dog has a new skin change, see your vet, and do not stop or change any medicine without talking to your vet.
Sources
- Hyperadrenocorticism – Canine. In: Torres SMF, et al. Small and Large Animal Dermatology Handbook, Volume 2. University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing. CC BY 4.0. https://open.lib.umn.edu/animaldermatology2/chapter/hyperadrenocorticism-canine/
- Doerr KA, Outerbridge CA, White SD, Kass PH, Shiraki R, Lam AT, Affolter VK. Calcinosis cutis in dogs: histopathological and clinical analysis of 46 cases. Vet Dermatol. 2013;24(3):355-61, e78-9. PMID 23565978. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23565978/
- Scarampella F, Denti D, Colombo S, et al. Dermoscopic Features of Calcinosis Cutis in 12 Dogs: An Observational Study. Vet Dermatol. 2026;37(5):630-635. PMID 41852300. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41852300/