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Canine otitis externa (OE) is one of the most common conditions seen in vet practice, affecting up to 20% of dogs.1 This frustrating and often painful disease is frequently linked to underlying factors such as allergies and ear conformation, which can lead to bacterial and yeast overgrowth. The complex nature of OE, combined with the rise of antimicrobial resistance, makes effective treatment a significant challenge.
The challenge isn’t just clinical, it’s also emotional for pet owners.2 Owners often feel a sense of urgency and frustration, believing that treatment takes too long to relieve their dog’s discomfort and is difficult to administer.2 These emotional barriers impact compliance and treatment success.
Benefits of a Two-Step Protocol
An Australian study explored the antimicrobial properties of the ear cleanser, EpiOtic SIS, and its ability to enhance the effectiveness of the antimicrobial treatment, EasOtic.3 This study provides a scientific foundation for a two-step protocol that addresses both the clinical and compliance challenges of OE.
Step 1: Pre-treat and Cleanse with EpiOtic SIS
The study demonstrated that EpiOtic SIS possesses intrinsic antimicrobial activity, effectively inhibiting the growth of common pathogens associated with OE. In addition to its direct antimicrobial effects, EpiOtic SIS’s gentle ceruminolytic action works to emulsify and aid the removal of wax and cellular debris4 to help treatments reach the infection site. Furthermore, EpiOtic SIS contains EDTA4 which facilitates delivery of ear medications and docusate sodium to reduce excessive moisture in the ear canal, preventing tissue overhydration and maceration.
Step 2: Treat with EasOtic
EasOtic is a three-in-one otic suspension containing hydrocortisone aceponate (HCA), miconazole nitrate, and gentamicin sulfate. This combination, which includes the potent steroid HCA, works to rapidly relieve inflammation and pain while targeting both fungal and bacterial infections.5
The Australian study found a significant synergistic to additive interaction when EpiOtic SIS and EasOtic were used in combination against multiple Australian clinical isolates of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MSSP and MRSP) and an additive effect against Malassezia.3
Supporting Pet Owners and Enhancing Compliance
Beyond the clinical benefits, this two-step approach also addresses the compliance issues that can lead to treatment failure. The EasOtic packaging is designed for ease of use, with an airless pump that allows dosing at any angle and delivers a pre-measured dose in a single press. The residual activity of EasOtic’s active ingredients means only 5 doses are required to achieve 15 days of antimicrobial action.6 This makes administration less frustrating, helping enhance compliance. A customer experience program found that 93% of pet owners rated EasOtic as easy to use, and 90% were satisfied with the treatment results.2
By recommending a scientifically-backed protocol of pre-treatment with EpiOtic SIS followed by a five-day course of EasOtic, vets provide a comprehensive, effective, and user-friendly solution for their patients. This approach not only improves clinical outcomes but also provides a simple treatment protocol for greater client satisfaction.
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References:
1. Angus JC. Otic cytology in health and disease. Vet Clinics of North America, Small Animal; 2004, Vol 34, p411-424.
2. Take 5 Customer Experience Program, Virbac USA, 2021.
3. Chan WY, Knowles AG and Trott DJ, 2020. In vitro antimicrobial activity of EpiOtic SIS and EasOtic against pathogens associated with canine otitis externa in Australia, Veterinary Dermatology, Vol 31 (Suppl. 1), p78.
4. APVMA product label 91291/144773
5. APVMA product label 63501/148499
6. Rey-Grobellet X, Rigaut D, Maynard L, Rème CA. Persistence of antimicrobials in the ear canal of dogs treated once daily for 5 days with 1 ml of a topical ear formulation. Virbac SA, Carros, F-06511 France; 2010.
