Neptra™: A Single-Dose Solution for Canine Otitis Externa (Advertorial)

Canine otitis externa is a common condition in dogs which has traditionally been managed with multi-dose take-home medications. This frequently results in significant compliance challenges from pet owners, often leading to frustration and poor outcomes. A study¹ has shown that up to 80% of owners gave the incorrect dose when administering ear products to their dog.

Neptra is a revolutionary treatment offering both convenience and compliance. It is the first ear medication delivered in a single, vet-administered dose, suitable for treating acute otitis externa due to common pathogens like Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Streptococcus canis, and Malassezia pachydermatis. This one-dose treatment avoids the need for owners to administer medication at home, easing the process significantly for both the pet and the owner.

Neptra's formulation combines three key ingredients:

1. Florfenicol - An effective first-line² antibiotic registered exclusively for veterinary use.
2. Terbinafine - An antifungal agent effective against yeast infections.
3. Mometasone - A potent but ‘soft’ glucocorticoid that rapidly reduces inflammation and pain, while minimising the risk of systemic side effects.

Combining these 3 active ingredients into Neptra’s unique formulation results in a high level of clinical success when treating acute, uncomplicated canine otitis externa. A clinical study³ demonstrated Neptra works fast with 58% of cases demonstrating clinical success^* by day 7, and provides sustained efficacy with an 87% treatment success rate by day 28.

According to a recent market survey⁴ conducted by Elanco in Canada, France and the UK, veterinarians reported a 98% satisfaction rate with Neptra, with 96% of vets saying they would recommend using Neptra to other vets. Administered in-clinic, one-dose treatment with Neptra overcomes the challenges and emotional stress of daily dosing associated with take-home otic medications.  

Neptra's ease-of-use, together with its proven efficacy, makes it an ideal first-line treatment for acute canine otitis externa, balancing effective care with owner convenience. Neptra shouldn’t be reserved solely for difficult or aggressive dogs, as its single-dose approach not only maximises efficacy but also helps prevent the development of head shyness and ear-phobias.

“Once we get an animal that becomes ear-phobic, it makes it really difficult for us as vet surgeons to examine them, and it makes it even more challenging for the owners to actually apply medication into those dog’s ears, thereby reducing compliance.” Dr Sue Paterson, M.A. VetMB. DVD DipECVD FRCVS.  President of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology.

Read product leaflet for full instructions. Neptra is not recommended in cases with rod-shaped bacteria present on cytology sample, as these may represent Pseudomonas aeruginosa. C & S testing should be performed when appropriate to determine the identity and susceptibility of the causative organism(s). Do not use in cats. PM-AU-25-0223.

*Clinical success is defined as a reduction in total clinical score to ≤3 on monitored criteria.

References:

1. Boda F, et al. Evaluation of owner compliance with topical treatment of acute otitis externa in dogs: A comparative study of two auricular formulations. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med, Vol 9, No 2, 2011.
2. Paterson S, 2018. "The use of antibiotics and antimycotics in otitis." Companion Animal. 23(11): 608-613.
3. Mensinger, S. An easier way to manage otitis externa (OE): Efficacy and safety of a new combination of florfenicol, terbinafine and mometasone furoate (Neptra®) in a randomised positive-controlled trial. BSAVA congress proceedings 2020.
4. Industry survey of 225 companion animal vets. Elanco market research, March 2022.