Calcinosis Cutis

Calcinosis cutis describes a process in which calcium salts are deposited in the skin, forming firm nodules, plaques, or crusty patches that can appear across different parts of the body. These deposits develop when the normal balance that keeps calcium in solution is disrupted, most often as a complication of other conditions rather than appearing on their own. Owners typically notice raised, hard lumps or gritty areas under the skin that may feel like small stones, sometimes with chalky material visible at the surface or seeping from the skin. The areas can be uncomfortable, and the overlying skin may become inflamed, ulcerated, or prone to infection. In dogs, this pattern is most commonly seen in animals with hormonal imbalances, particularly those affecting the adrenal glands, though other triggers exist. This page explores the signs that may raise suspicion, the mechanisms that lead to calcium deposition in different scenarios, the investigations that help clarify what is driving the process, and the range of approaches used to manage both the deposits and the underlying causes.