Animal Allergy and Dermatology Service of Connecticut
Diagnosis and Management of Skin Disease and Allergy
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Frequently Asked Questions
Telecommunications
Telehealth is a tool being used more and more in veterinary medicine. It is defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association as the use of technology (emails, live audio/video conferencing) to gather information about a specific patient and deliver health information, advice, education, and patient care. Animal Allergy and Dermatology will offer this service by telephone, email, photographs, and via video on a conferencing platform, if needed, with existing clients and patients.
Although Connecticut does not require a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), Dr. Rothstien requires that she has seen your pet within one year for most cases.
Depending on the scope of the discussion, there may be a fee to the client, payable by check. For those patients covered by insurance, it is important the client check with their insurance carrier about the coverage of telehealth appointments.
Teleconsultation refers to a primary veterinarian communicating with a veterinary specialist to get insights and advice on the care of a patient. There is a charge for teleconsultations to the veterinarian, payable by check.
Emergency Information
If you feel your pet has an emergency, please call your local veterinarian or emergency service.
What is a veterinary dermatologist?
A veterinary dermatologist is a veterinarian who has completed specialty training (a residency) in skin diseases of animals. During this training, veterinary dermatology residents see many animals with various clinical problems. Another requirement for is publishing a paper in a well-known veterinary journal. Once the training is completed, credentials of each resident must be submitted to a special committee for approval. After approval, an extensive multi-faceted examination must be passed to become board-certified. Board-certified veterinary dermatologists, or diplomates, are recognized as one of the eighteen specialties by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Why do I need a veterinary dermatologist for my animal?
There are more than 100 different skin diseases in dogs and cats. Many of these can look similar (redness, scabs, hair loss). Veterinary dermatology involves the sciences of dermatology, immunology, pharmacology AND the art of practice. It is the task of the specialist to use their extensive training to separate out these diseases by knowing the small differences. Also, new diseases and information about old and new diseases are being uncovered rapidly. Understandably, it is difficult for a general veterinarian to keep up with so much new information. Dermatology specialists help your veterinarian with the more difficult diagnoses and treatments.
What diseases can a veterinary dermatologist treat?
Parasite - fleas, mites (Demodex, Sarcoptes)Allergy - pollens, house dust & house dust mites, foodImmune - mediated - pemphigus, lupusInfectious - bacterial, fungal (ringworm, yeast)Hormonal imbalanceEar diseaseNail diseaseSkin cancer
What are your hours? By appointment only.
What are your hours? By appointment only.
Dr. Emily Rothstein Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Dermatology BOARD CERTIFIED VETERINARY DERMATOLOGIST®
