+ General Considerations
- Calcinosis circumscripta is reported in cats and dogs
- Deposition of calcium in areas other than bone or teeth is pathologic and termed either dystrophic, metastatic, idiopathic, or iatrogenic
- Dystrophic calcification: deposition of calcium salts within dead or degenerative tissue and is unrelated to calcium content of blood
- Metastatic calcification: precipitation of calcium salts within tissue because of derangements in metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, or both (i.e., primary, secondary, and pseudohyperparathyroidism, chronic renal failure, and hypervitaminosis D)
- Calcium deposited as calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, or as hydroxyapatite
- Calcium circumscripta definition: local ectopic deposition of calcium salts usually in subcutaneous tissue
- Cause unknown although associated with trauma, injections, and previous surgery
- Calcinosis cutis has been secondary to intramuscular injection of calcium gluconate for the management of primary hypoparathyroidism
- Gross appearance: ≥ 1 small, well-circumscribed subcutaneous mass
- Other sites: tongue, salivary gland, spine, and aorta