How do we get the best outcome for our Otitis Externa patients?

Previously we covered the basics of the ear examination and cytology, helping you take the first steps in Otitis Externa (OE) diagnosis and in identifying its causative organisms. Having the tools to assess and diagnose the presenting OE problem makes the treatment decision easier. The next big step in getting a successful outcome is reaching for the appropriate OE treatment for the case. So why should you reach for NeptraTM? Neptra is the only single dose long-acting otic solution suitable for acute OE cases involving the most common OE causative organisms Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Streptococcus canis and Malassezia pachydermatis. But what makes a single-dose, vet-administered solution a good first-line OE treatment choice? 

One of the common reasons why OE treatments fail is due to issues with owner compliance. Let’s face it, sticking to a strict twice daily ear medication treatment protocol for 7-10 days in a dog that hates it must be very challenging! Even owners with the best of intentions and abilities often struggle to apply the prescribed medication at correct intervals and with sufficient volume to be effective. With both the animal and owner under stress, this protocol is almost ‘bound to fail’, remembering that the dog is also usually experiencing pain with the ear infection. Neptra is a first in class, vet-applied, single-dose treatment that lasts for 30 days, thus eliminating any concerns about compliance and giving excellent results. It also prevents medication stockpiling and subsequent self-directed client medication of pets, contributing to the development of antibiotic and antifungal resistance. 

A study revealed that up to 80%¹ of owners give the incorrect dose when it comes to ear treatments, and 72%² of owners would choose a single vet-administered OE treatment if given the choice! By eliminating the issues surrounding owner compliance you can take full control of your patient’s ear treatments and improve their welfare by reducing the stresses often associated with at-home ear therapies, thereby also allowing your client a stress-free time to maintain their happy bond with their dog.  

Neptra contains three effective and proven active ingredients in a 1ml dose for all dog breeds and ages: 

The antibiotic, Florfenicol is a chloramphenicol and thiamphenicol derivative with a potent protein synthesis inhibitory effect on microbes. Florfenicol however lacks the mechanism involved in other chloramphenicol derivatives implicated in the development of bacterial resistance. This antimicrobial is rarely used in parenteral solutions for dogs and is not listed as a critically important antimicrobial drug for human use. In a field trial, florfenicol has demonstrated highly effective against common OE causative microbes S. pseudintermedius and S. aureus.³ 

A synthetic steroid anti-inflammatory, mometasone furoate is classified as a ‘soft glucocorticoid steroid’ that is highly effective in treating the pain and inflammation associated with OE as well as pruritis in yeast cases. It is referred to as a soft steroid due to its minimal systemic absorption and effect on the adrenal cortex. Its potent anti-inflammatory effect optimises the absorption and efficacy of the other ingredients. 

Lastly, Terbinafine hydrochloride is a highly effective fungicidal drug with broad-spectrum anti-fungal activity. 

Neptra has demonstrated a  87.4%⁴ clinical resolution of acute OE after treatment with a single dose, making acute OE treatment so easy. It gives you and your client peace of mind knowing that their dog has an effective and hassle-free treatment option. Remember that OE is a multifactorial condition and investigation, and treatment of any underlying causes is necessary for long-term treatment success of recurrent OE cases. 

1. Tim Nuttall. Successful management of otitis externa. In Practice, May 2016. Volume 38, Issue Suppl  
2. Elanco Market Research Evaluation of ear infection treatment situation within Dog Owners in FR-IT-ES (v1.0) 
3. Blake J. et al Vet Rec Open. 2017. 
4. Fitzgerald R. Proceedings of the British Veterinary Dermatology Spring Meeting. 2021. 73. 
    
    
    
   Always read and follow label recommendations. Neptra is not recommended in cases with rod-shaped bacteria present on cytology sample, as these may represent Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Culture and sensitivity testing should be performed when appropriate to determine the identity and susceptibility of the causative organism(s). Neptra should not be used in dogs with perforated/ruptured tympanic membranes.  Not for use in cats. © 2022 Elanco or its affiliates. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For further information contact: 1800 995 709 from anywhere in Australia Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or email productsupportau@elancoah.com. PM AU 22 0628