The FDA just approved the first ear medication in the United States for ear infections due to yeast. The medication is called DuOtic made by Dechra who is based out of the United Kingdom. This is the first medication made to treat otitis externa (the most common type if ear infection in dogs) without an antibiotic. This is amazing news because most dogs being treated for yeast ear infections are also being treated unnecessarily with an antibiotic as well. Unnecessary antibiotic usage leads to antibiotic resistance over time.
DuOtic is combination of terbinafine and betamethasone acetate otic gel. Terbinafine is an antifungal medicine, most commonly known on the human side for treating athlete's foot. The gel is effective against susceptible strains of Malassezia pachydermatis, which is what typically causes a yeast infection in dogs. Betamethasone acetate is steroid which helps with inflammation and the itchiness of a yeast ear infection.
DuOtic is a long lasting medication that is applied to the ear by a veterinarian. The treatment is active for 45 days. This is great news as most yeast ear infections are due to atopy or allergies. The long lasting effect of the medication will hopefully help keep the ear infection away and allow your veterinarian to treat the allergies systemically as well. Also since the environment is constantly changing the allergen that your dog is responding to when they got the infection may not be as prevalent in the environment 45 days later. This is also great for dogs that do not let their owners put any medication into their ears or are unable clean their dog's ears. The ears cannot be cleaned for the 45 day period.
The ear medication must be dispensed and administered by a licensed veterinarian. The veterinarian will clear your dog's ear and apply the medication. It will be re-applied again in 7 days.
Reference:
FDA Approves Treatment for Yeast Ear Infections in Dogs https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/cvm-updates/fda-approves-treatment-yeast-ear-infections-dogs
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