Generalized calcinosis cutis associated with disseminated paecilomycosis in a dog

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.