We started VESPECON because we saw a need for more effective telemedicine and communication between primary veterinarians and specialists. Every member of our extensive and ever-growing consulting team feels passionate about elevating primary veterinarians and reinforcing their crucial role in pet and client care. We wanted to hear from the specialists themselves—what makes VESPECON special? Here are Dr. Emily Rothstein’s thoughts on the subject.

What do veterinary dermatologists do?

Veterinary dermatologists are certified by the American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) and focus on skin, ear, and nail disorders, with allergic skin diseases making up the majority of their cases. However, dermatologists diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases, including:

  • Infectious diseases
  • Parasites
  • Hair loss
  • Congenital disorders
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Skin cancer
  • Hormone-related skin disease
  • Systemic disease with skin manifestations

During a typical day, dermatologists may see outpatients or perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. They also collaborate closely with primary veterinarians to manage chronic skin diseases and consult with other specialists when a pet’s skin, ear, or nail problems are related to systemic illness.

How consulting with a dermatologist can help veterinarians and pets

Dermatology cases are often frustrating for pet owners and veterinarians. Many dermatologic diseases present in the same way and require multiple diagnostic tests and lengthy treatment trials to nail down a diagnosis. Consulting with a dermatologist early in a poorly responsive or recurrent skin or ear disease case prevents pet owners from losing their patience with the veterinary team and shows them you’re serious about their pet’s care.

VESPECON dermatologists like Dr. Emily Rothstein are available for consultation whenever you need them. Follow-up and ongoing care are important for chronic disease management, and our specialists are with you for the long haul. You’ll gain valuable expert insight each time you consult with our team, allowing you to recognize diagnostic clues and more easily manage future cases.

Dr. Rothstein’s take on VESPECON

Our specialists take pride in their role on the VESPECON team. We spoke with dermatologist Dr. Emily Rothstein to learn how she feels about helping general practitioners and why she chooses to consult through VESPECON.

Question: What do you like best about working with general practice veterinarians to help their clients and patients?
Answer: Working with general practice veterinarians allows me to “do derm”—my favorite thing—and to stay in the field I love. 

Q: How do you think VESPECON improves the lives of pets?
A: Primary veterinarians with access to multiple specialists can offer care above what they can provide. Pets get the best of both worlds—a caring primary veterinarian who knows them and an expert specialist. 

Q: How do you think VESPECON improves the lives of general practice veterinarians?
A: I think primary veterinarians consulting with us enjoy the interaction, learning to manage specialty cases, and helping their patients. 

Q: Describe a situation where you were able to help a veterinarian with a difficult case.
A: I helped a veterinarian work up a pet named Little Man and the vet followed all my recommendations. Her initial culture was pending when we talked and ended up being the solution.

Q: How was the above situation rewarding for you?
A: It’s the best feeling for me, the veterinarian, and the pet owner when an answer is found and the condition is treatable.

Q: What would you say to a general practice veterinarian who is unsure about using VESPECON’s services?
A: You have numerous specialists “at your fingertips” with VESPECON and, as we know, booking with a live person is difficult in many areas. We can help.

Dr. Rothstein and the rest of our ever-growing team are ready to help you expand specialty access for your patients and improve their care. We provide face-to-face consultations and form long-term relationships with our veterinarian clients. Contact us to learn more about VESPECON services or to book your first consultation.