Experimental skin calciphylaxis induced by iron citrate sorbitol in young dogs

An experimental model of skin calciphylaxis using iron citrate sorbitol is presented. There were used for the experiment 12 young dogs sensitized with D3 vitamin and then injected with 0.2 ml Jectofer on the internal face of the shank. Macroscopic lesions become evident after 2-3 days last drug was administered. Nodular calcifications occurred after 7-8 days as white, hard and irregular lesions, when sectioned, presenting dissociable crystals. From the microscopic point of view fatty cysts, dermic granuloma and an amorphous irregular material are described. In the early period Perls stain is positive and becomes negative after 3 or 4 days. Von Kossa reaction is positive after 4 or 5 days and alizarin S after 7. Degenerative lesions of elastic fascicles are noticed and discussed in relationship with localization of calcium salts. On the basis of these data the possible succesion of skin calciphylaxis steps is discussed, but many things remain unknown.