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March 18, 2002
Treatment of Chronic Ear Infections in Dogs

Treatment errors, over and under treatment, or inappropriate use of
antimicrobial medications can result in chronically diseased ears. Commercial drying agents should be avoided inflamed, chronically diseased ears because most contain isopropyl alcohol and varying concentrations of benzoic, acetic, salicylic, or boric acid. Each of these products individually can be extremely irritating to already infected ears.

The key to successful management of chronic canine otitis is early intervention, identifying the cause of the condition so that it can be treated specifically and appropriately. Treatment should continue until the infection is resolved (often a minimum of 4 weeks). It is not uncommon for treatment of canine otitis media (middle ear infection) to continue uninterrupted for 8 to 12 weeks.

Otitis externa (infection of the outer ear) is a common disease in dogs. Systemic antibiotic therapy is not always required. By administering the appropriate antibiotic or antifungal medication as an otic (ear) preparation, therapy may be complete in as little as 14 days. Direct application of medication to the ear
canal will result in a higher concentration in the ear than can usually be
obtained when medication is given orally.

There is no single topical otic preparation that will satisfactorily treat all conditions. Once your veterinarian has identified the problem, if the needed antibiotic is not commercially available as an otic formulation, we can compound a preparation to meet each animal’s specific needs.

Copyright 2002, Storey Marketing - Veterinary Website Updates. Reproduction prohibited without subscription from Storey Marketing (814-337-3441). Questions regarding this article should be directed to the compounding professionals at Martin Avenue Pharmacy, Inc.