Leia M.

Dr. Joe Alcorn, M.S., D.V.M.

Dr. Joe Alcorn is founder of Care Animal Hospital in Temecula, California. He has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and his advice has been featured in large publications like Bustle and Martha Steward.

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A 4 year old, spayed female, German Shepherd Dog named Leia was seen by Doctor Alcorn for ongoing skin disease. Leia had a two month history of horrible skin disease and been examined and treated by two other veterinarians over the previous two months. She was taking six different medications and there was no improvement. She was so miserable with all her painful skin issues and she could hardly be touched without showing pain.

Upon presentation, Leia had severe areas of balding, flakes, scales and scabs on her body as well as her face and ears. She was being treated for an immune disease of the skin but no tests had been done.

Dr Alcorn recommended a blood test and bacterial culture of the skin. It was found that she had a bacterial skin infection and was hypothyroid as well. She was started on the appropriate antibiotic and oral treatment for hypothyroidism. Dr. Alcorn took Leia off all the other medications because he felt she was suffering from a drug allergy reaction as well to the oral antibiotic that she had been taking over the previous six weeks.

Leia stayed at Care Animal Hospital for one week and the staff spent hours each day combing out the healing scabs and scales. Eventually after the skin lesions had improved, a biopsy of the skin was done to determine more specifically what her skin disease was and thereby provide her with more precise treatment.

The skin biopsy revealed that Leia had an autoimmune skin disease call pemphigus foliaceous. She was placed on oral medications by Dr Alcorn that are definitive for treating this disease. Because all the skin lesions were now healed, over the next months, Leia started to grow fur on the bald areas of her face, ears and body.

Over a period of four months, Leia continued to improve and grow fur. Dr Alcorn was able to wean her off of high doses of her skin medication and she currently is maintaining on low doses of oral medication for her autoimmune skin disease.

Leia is now a very happy dog, out of pain, and she is on low doses of medication to keep her condition under control.

Leia’s conditions represented autoimmune skin disease, endocrine skin disease, skin infection and a drug allergy. Fortunately Dr Alcorn was able to diagnose and treat her for all these conditions and Leia has been able to enjoy her life with her family and a new German Shepherd puppy friend.​

The entire staff at Care Animal Hospital is proud to be a part of the healing process for all pets and we daily strive to achieve our hospital motto, “Exceptional Care for the Ones You Love”.

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