A powerful tool to address inflammation early in dogs with otitis externa.

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Sponsored by Virbac

Otitis externa is one of the most common conditions encountered by clinicians, especially in dogs with allergic skin disease. This painful and persistent inflammation of the external ear canal not only causes serious discomfort for the dog, but also creates stress and frustration for owners looking for quick relief for their pets. This inflammation leads to symptoms such as intense itching, swelling, discharge, odor and pain.

In an interview with dvm360®, Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, shared: “Many of the dogs I see with otitis are in great discomfort, which can lead to changes in their behavior, including irritability and touch avoidance.” The ear canal becomes red, swollen, and warm to the touch, making even basic tasks such as administering medication or cleaning difficult for both dog and owner. Griffin added: “It is heartbreaking for owners to see their dogs suffering, scratching their ears or avoiding being touched. “As veterinarians, they expect us to provide help quickly.”

Evaluating options for quick relief

Griffin, in collaboration with Virbac, conducted a post-approval study aimed at evaluating otitis externa at days 0, 2, 7, and 28. This study compared Easotic® (hydrocortisone aceponate, miconazole nitrate, gentamicin sulfate) Otic Suspension with a leading competitor. Dogs. These products are indicated for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs associated with susceptible yeast strains (Malassezia pachydermatis) and bacteria (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) and Easotic® Otic Suspension only requires one dose per day for 5 days. The results of the study were presented at the 2024 World Veterinary Dermatology Congress.

Traditional studies of otitis media treatments typically evaluate results after weeks of treatment, but this time frame often fails to meet the expectations of pet owners seeking faster improvement in their dog’s condition. Griffin and his team’s study sought to explain how quickly these two treatments could relieve symptoms. 86 client-owned dogs diagnosed with acute otitis externa were included in the study. These dogs were randomly assigned to receive Easotic® Otic Suspension for Dogs or a leading competitor (containing florfenicol, terbinafine, and mometasone furoate). Both treatments are designed to combat the microbial and inflammatory aspects of the disease.

Clinical signs over time

Treatment with both products showed improvement by day 28, but the real differentiator was the speed at which it began to provide relief from some symptoms of otitis externa. “We were already seeing significant differences on day 2,” Griffin explained. “At the end of the study, while both products reduced symptoms, Easotic® Otic Suspension for Dogs provided rapid relief, particularly in terms of reduced discharge, stricture, and odor.”

By day 7, 90% of dogs treated with Easotic® Otic Suspension for Dogs showed a good or excellent response to treatment with resolution of all signs of otitis externa, compared to 71% of those treated with the competing product. This difference became clear when looking at the reduction in discharge, tightness, and odor, which are 3 of the most bothersome signs for both dogs and their owners. “By day 2, Easotic® Otic Suspension for Dogs had already reduced ear discharge,” Griffin added. “Dogs treated with Easotic® Otic Suspension for dogs showed improvements in stenosis and ear odor, which are generally indicative of how comfortable the dog feels.”

hydrocortisone aceponate

An important factor contributing to rapid relief with Easotic® Otic Suspension for Dogs is the inclusion of hydrocortisone aceponate, a highly potent lipophilic steroid that quickly penetrates the epidermis and provides targeted relief without serious systemic effects. “The ability to quickly treat ear inflammation is very important,” Griffin said. “Hydrocortisone aceponate is particularly effective because when it reaches the bloodstream it is converted to hydrocortisone, a weak steroid, but works locally to reduce inflammation where it is needed most: in the ear.”

Inflammation is the driving force behind the pain and discomfort associated with otitis externa. As inflammation worsens, the dog’s ear canal can become stenotic, trapping moisture and debris and creating an environment for further microbial growth. Rapidly reducing inflammation can prevent this cycle from worsening, allowing the dog’s ear to heal faster.

Other study implications

In some cases, significant improvements were observed as early as day 2. For example, the reduction in ear discharge in the Easotic® Otic Suspension for Dogs group had a P value of 0.005 on day 2 and 0.001 on day 7 compared to the other treatment. Other significant differences such as decreased stenosis, ear odor and ear pollution were also noted at these early time points.

In a separate survey of pet owners, 93% reported that Easotic® otic suspension was easy to administer to their dogs.

Treatment compliance

When dogs’ symptoms improve, owners may be more likely to follow through with the entire course of treatment to ensure the infection and inflammation are completely resolved. “This isn’t just about treating the infection,” Griffin noted. “It’s about controlling inflammation early so the dog feels better sooner. This improves compliance, reduces the likelihood of not completing treatment, and most importantly, provides comfort to the dog.”

Solution

Griffin’s study points to inflammation management as an important factor in promoting rapid recovery in dogs suffering from otitis externa. Results from this study demonstrate the potential of Easotic® Otic Suspension for Dogs as a treatment that provides rapid, reliable relief, improving not only clinical outcomes for the dog but also the overall experience of pet owners. “Inflammation is at the core of otitis externa, and treating it with a potent anti-inflammatory is key to a successful outcome,” Griffin concluded.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

EASOTIC® (hydrocortisone aceponate, miconazole nitrate, gentamicin sulfate) Otic Suspension for Dogs: For otic (ear) use in dogs only. People with known or suspected hypersensitivity to hydrocortisone, aminoglycoside antibiotics, or azole antifungals should not handle this product. Contraindicated in dogs with known or suspected hypersensitivity to corticosteroids, imidazole antifungals, or aminoglycoside antibiotics. Do not use in dogs known to have a perforated eardrum (tympanic membrane). The safe use of EASOTIC Otic Suspension in dogs used for breeding purposes has not been evaluated. Do not administer orally.

For complete prescribing information, contact Virbac at 1-800-338-3659 or visit http://vet-us.virbac.com.

References

1. Von Simson C, Poincelot L, Jasmin P, Griffin J. Comparison of the effectiveness of gentamicin, miconazole and hydrocortisone aceponate formulation and florfenicol, terbinafine and mometasone furoate formulation in the treatment of otitis externa in dogs, focusing on the onset of action. Presentation Place: 10th World Veterinary Dermatology Congress; 25-29 July 2024; Boston, MA. Session P-36.
2. Take the 5 Survey. Virbac.