New Drug for Canine Ear Infections

One of the most common types of infections that are prevalent in dogs is an infection of the outer ear canal due to yeast or bacteria, otherwise known as otitis externa.

However, there are few dog breeds that are more prone to ear infections than other dogs; namely Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Schnauzers and Retrievers. Although any breed of dog with long, floppy and hairy ears are also susceptible.

Symptoms of an ear infection

It is fairly easy to diagnose an ear infection in a dog as his ear canals will be quite sensitive and he will shake his head at different intervals in an attempt to dislodge the bacteria or fluid. A dog may also scratch or rub his ears more than normal; he may also be more irritable and appear visibly uncomfortable. An infected ear canal will be red and inflamed with very offensive odor.

Causes of an ear infection

Ear infections can be caused by an accumulation of wax, or thick, matted hair lodged inside the dog's ear canal. However, self-diagnosis is never advisable unless your dog suffers from bouts of recurring ear infections. Infections can also be caused by a variety of bacteria and fungi, and your veterinarian will need to examine your dog's ears so that a proper diagnosis can be made.

Water is another culprit that causes canine ear infections. Therefore dogs that love swimming are more prone to ear infections. Another common cause is parasitic insects such as ear mites.

In some case these symptoms may also be indicative of an ear infection: a tumor in the ear canal or the existence of a foreign body, such as a seed. Your dog's ear will need to be examined so that your veterinarian can determine whether or not the eardrum is still intact. If this is not done and your dog's eardrum is ruptured, certain medications can cause deafness.

Hormone imbalances and some allergies could also be a cause of Otitis externa.

Approximately 20% of all dogs will become affected at some point in their lives.

Treatment Options

The Food and Drug Administration has recently approved a new drug that has been specifically created to treat ear infections in dogs, and has made it available to veterinarians across America.

Made by Intervet, Inc. of New Jersey, the drug called Posatex Otic Suspension, was approved by the FDA 1 April, 2010, to be used primarily for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs associated with susceptible strains of yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis) and bacteria (coagulase-positive staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis). This drug suspension contains orbifloxacin, mometasone furoate monohydrate, and posaconazole.

The Posatex Otic Suspension should only be prescribed by a veterinarian when the cause of the ear infection is deemed to be bacteria or yeast. Prior to Posatex Otic Suspension being approved, veterinary treatment included antifungals or antibiotics.

This new drug does come with a dog weight limit: Dogs who weigh less than 30lbs should be prescribed 4 drops of the suspension once daily inside their ear canal; whilst dogs that weigh more than 30lbs should be given 8 drops once per day.

Other Options

If your dog has been diagnosed with an ear infection, or if he has a recurring ear infection, looking into an alternative treatment may be a better option.

A great choice is Canine Echo Gold sold online by PetWellBeing.com. It is a herbal formula that was formulated by a naturopathic veterinarian. Echo Gold contains a variety of important herbs that have been proven to help relieve itching and reduce pain by working as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. These herbs also have an antibiotic action that helps fight off the ear infection and prevents it from recurring.

Prevention

Always keep your dog's ears as clean and dry as possible. Apply a warm, dry compress on your dog's ears to help alleviate any discomfort.

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