Most general practice veterinarians encounter skin or ear problems in their patients daily, so we prioritized adding several dermatologists to our VESPECON consulting team. Dr. Emily Rothstein, who is a valuable addition to our specialist team, with more than 25 years of dermatology experience, is available for virtual consultations with primary veterinarians who need help managing their tough cases.

We’re profiling our entire team, so our veterinary customers can get to know them better and more personally. Today, we explore veterinary dermatology and get to know Emily Rothstein, DVM, DACVD, who joined our team in hopes of guiding general veterinarians and helping them learn to better treat their cases.

Veterinary dermatology: A day in the life

Veterinary dermatologists are experts in skin, ear, hair, nail, and hoof diseases across multiple species. Most dermatologists work with dogs, cats, or large animals, but others expand their practice to exotics, wildlife, or zoo animals. They diagnose and treat not only primary skin problems and hypersensitivity disorders, but also skin cancer, auto-immune disease, infectious disease, and systemic disorders with skin manifestations. 

During a typical day, a veterinary dermatologist may perform, order, or interpret the following:

  • Dermatological examinations
  • Video otoscopy
  • Deep ear flush and myringotomy
  • Skin or blood allergy testing
  • Skin cytology
  • Skin biopsy
  • Laser or cryosurgery
  • Dermatoscopy
  • Hyperbaric oxygen treatments

What can a veterinary dermatologist treat?

Veterinary dermatologists learn to identify skin lesions and patterns to narrow down diagnostics, and to interpret clinical signs and diagnostic tests to make diagnoses—which can be tricky in dermatology cases. They treat common ailments, such as allergies or chronic ear infections, and less common disorders, such as cancer or autoimmune disease. 

A veterinary dermatologist may consult on, diagnose, or treat the following:

  • Hypersensitivity disorders (e.g., atopy, food allergy, insect bite allergy)
  • Chronic ear disease
  • Parasitic disease
  • Hormonal diseases (e.g., alopecia syndromes, adrenal disease)
  • Autoimmune disease (e.g., pemphigus complex, lupus)
  • Nail disorders
  • Skin infections
  • Keratinization disorders
  • Breed-specific or inherited conditions

Dr. Emily Rothstein: Q & A 

Here are Dr. Rothstein’s answers to our questions to help veterinarians get to know her better.

Question: Where did you complete your veterinary education?
Answer: I completed my DVM at the University of Florida, and a rotating internship and dermatology residency at Cornell University.

Q: Where are you from, and where do you currently live?
A: I was born in Ohio and have lived there, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; Newport News, Virginia; North Palm Beach, Florida; and now Connecticut.

Q: Why did you choose to pursue a veterinary specialty?
A: I wanted to do something more and decided specialty practice was the way to go.

Q: What do you enjoy most about veterinary dermatology?
A: I enjoy client interaction and long-term relationships, and dermatology definitely has those!

Q: What has been your most fulfilling or interesting case as a dermatologist?
A: Turning a miserable, itchy dog and their miserable family into a peaceful home.

Q: How did you come to work for VESPECON?
A: I saw the company posted on Facebook and expressed my interest.

Q: How does working with dermatology through VESPECON benefit or help general practitioners?
A: I hope that practitioners not only get the answers to their immediate case concerns, but also learn something to take to future cases.

Q: Tell us about your two- and four-legged family members.
A: I have a husband and three four-legged babies—all Labradors.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I like to walk dogs and garden.

Q: Where is the most interesting place you have traveled? Any specific destinations on your bucket list?
A: We loved Italy and would love to take a safari.

Q: Anything else you would like people to know?
A: I love dermatology!

Dr. Emily Rothstein is one of many veterinary specialists who make up our VESPECON team, and who are all accessible at your convenience through our virtual video chat platform. Our service allows you to meet and consult with the experts face to face, manage your cases more effectively, and offer your patients elevated care. Contact our knowledgeable team to learn more about our services and consultants, or sign up on our website and get started.