Otitis Externa
Otitis externa is common in canines and occurs when the lining in the external ear canal becomes inflamed. This inflammation triggers pain and/or itching in the ear canal. Parasites and allergies appear to cause the inflammation, whereas bacteria and yeast prolong it. Treatments typically begin with cleaning and flushing the ear canals and can also include draining fluid buildup in the inner ear. Then, topical medications are applied to kill mites, bacteria and yeast. Advanced cases sometimes require surgery. The ideal medication will coat the inner surface of the external ear canal, delivering medication to the inflamed tissues. In addition to coating the ear canal a bioadhesive gel is advantageous because it lengthens…show more content… Various medications can be incorporated into the gel to provide therapeutic effects. At cold temperatures, it remains liquid form and at room temperature, it turns into a gel. When CCA-Otic Gel is administered in the liquid form, it takes the shape of and adheres to the ear canal allowing prolonged contact with the drug. Various drugs may be incorporated into the gel for a therapeutic effect.
A 1.5ml dose applied in each affected ear forms a bioadhesive gel layer on the surface of affected tissues in the ear canal in approximately 3 to 4 seconds. Additionally, this gel will remain in the ear canal for 5-7 days delivering medication to the affected areas. Typically only one dose is needed, but a second dose could be applied in one week if necessary. Contrasting lanolin-based preparations, this water based product ensures ear canals remain unclogged, furthermore, it is not necessary to flush the ears after the treatment.
Formulations are compounded in a pharmacy to meet the individual patients’ needs and typically contain an antibiotic, an antifungal, and a corticosteroid. A common formulation is EKT-CCA otic gel and it contains Enrofloxacin 2%-Ketoconazole 2%-Triamcinolone 0.25% in CCA gel. Enrofloxacin in non-ototoxic and can be used in patients with ruptured ear