Veterinary Dermatology and Allergy Specialist
Practicing in Norwalk, CT and Westchester, NY
Dermatology and allergy specialist Dr. Nina Shoulberg and her dedicated team of veterinary technicians treat diseases involving the skin, hair, ears and nails, providing the most effective, safe, state of the art care possible. That may include, for example, intradermal and serum testing for airborne allergens, immunotherapy, the diagnosis and treatment of ear diseases using video otoscopy, and removal of skin tumors using a carbon dioxide laser.
Diseases treated include allergies, bacterial infections, fungal infections, parasitic infestations, endocrine disorders and immune-mediated diseases.
Dr. Shoulberg and her team recognize that educating clients about their pets’ skins diseases is key to providing the best possible care - care that is, compassionate, effective and practical.
The client's regular veterinarian is kept in the loop as well, as he or she must remain actively involved in the pet's treatment. To this end, a referral letter is sent after each visit and communication with the pet owner is relayed to the primary veterinarian.
By staying abreast of the frequent and exciting advances in veterinary dermatology, Dr. Shoulberg and her team provide only the most sound - and most current treatments available to pet owners today.
Common Culprits
Malassezia Dermatitis
the skin caused by a yeast named Malassezia pachydermitis. This is a common yeast that is normally found in small amounts on the skin of dogs and cats. In animals with allergies, hormonal diseases, scaling disorders or in those pets that have been treated with steroids, the yeast increase in number and the pet may develop Malassezia dermatitis. West Highland white terriers, Basset hounds, American Cocker spaniels, Shih Tzus, English setters, Springer spaniels, and Dachshunds are more susceptible. The yeast is not contagious. Yeast consumption plays no role.
Clinical signs and symptoms: These include itching, reddened 
skin, a yellow, greasy, crust on the skin, a brown/gray waxy discharge from the ears, shaking the head, and a rancid or yeasty odor coming from the skin or ears.
Treatment: This involves using topical therapeutics eg. shampoos, conditioners, ear drops in combination with oral medication. Topical therapeutics will almost always be necessary to help prevent recurrence of Malassezia dermatitis.Inhalent Allergies
Typically allergies to pollen, mold, dust, etc. develop between 1-3 years of age. Animals usually do not outgrow their allergies and often times the allergy worsens with age. Scratching, rubbing, licking or chewing face, feet, limbs, armpits and sides are all common signs of allergies.
Additionally one may see ear infections, runny red eyes and sneezing.
Animals with allergies are more likely to get secondary bacterial and/or yeast infections of their skin. Diagnosing and treating these infections is important, as effective treatment may significantly improve the itch and odor.
Treatments: Fatty acid supplements, antihistamines and hyposensitization injections ("allergy shots") are often used to treat allergies.Food Allergies
It is not the amount, but the type of protein that is important. Dogs commonly develop allergies to beef, chicken, corn, dairy, eggs, soy and wheat, while cats often develop allergies to fish, dairy and beef.
Dyes, preservatives and chemicals are rarely responsible for food allergies.
Clinical signs: Food allergic animals are usually itchy and they may scratch, lick or chew anywhere on their bodies.
Diagnosing food allergies: Generally your pet should eat a protein he or she has never eaten before for 12 weeks. The diet should consist of the one new protein and one carbohydrate.
*Blood testing for food allergies is inaccurate and should not be relied on to formulate a diet for your pet.