VETgirl Q4 2021 Beat e-Magazine

QUARTERLY BEAT / DECEMBER 2021 ///

SPONSORED ARTICLE

The infection is just the beginning: Tips for long-term ear care

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BRITTANY LANCELLOTTI , DVM, DACVD Veterinary Skin & Ear

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For some patients, I can tell by the smell when I walk into the exam room that I may not be getting a good look into a patient’s ears. As you likely have experienced, many pets have an exaggerated protective response when it comes to ears, especially when they’re hurting.

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With acute otitis, particularly painful, erosive-ulcerative or purulent ears, I try to plan both diagnostic and treatment plans that do not unnecessarily add to the discomfort or anxiety of the patient. I do not want to create a permanent association between our hospital or the otoscope and pain, so sedation or anesthesia to allow proper visualization and

combination of the two, I often treat the ears with a long- acting product, Claro® (florfenicol, terbinafine, mometasone furoate) Otic Solution. This single-dose treatment regimen performed after in-hospital cleaning allows me to ensure the infection is being addressed properly without having to worry about client compliance. In addition to effective

Guarantee compliance and make ear infections easier Treat your patients’ most common otitis externa infections with one dose administered by you.

cleaning of the ear is desirable. Similarly, a treatment plan that minimizes client manipulation of the acutely uncomfortable ear should be considered.

infection control, the mometasone present in Claro® soothes erosive canals and decreases inflammation in edematous canals, providing the patient with much-needed fast- acting relief. With my focus on long-term management of otitis, I use the next few weeks to coach the owner on desensitization techniques so I can set them up for success in the future when the infection is cleared. I instruct clients on how to desensitize their pet to ear touching at home using high-value treats,

In this situation, it is important for me to prioritize my wants and needs. While I want to look in the ear right away, I need to be able to clear the infection and establish a feasible long- term maintenance plan to prevent relapse and address the underlying cause of the otitis externa. So, my priority becomes obtaining cytology to establish baseline infection and determine therapeutic options. If I decide not to anesthetize the patient for video otoscopy, I offer lots of yummy treats to create a positive association with touching and obtaining cytology, making sure to check in with the patient to ensure they are not becoming more anxious.

Claro ® is indicated for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs associated with susceptible strains of yeast ( Malassezia pachydermatis ) and bacteria ( Staphylococcus pseudintermedius ). CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. PRECAUTIONS: For use in dogs only. Do not use in cats ( see POST APPROVAL EXPERIENCE). CLARO® has been associated with rupture of the tympanic membrane. Reevaluate the dog if hearing loss or signs of vestibular dysfunction are observed during treatment. Signs of internal ear disease such as head tilt, vestibular signs, ataxia, nystagmus, facial paralysis, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca have been reported ( see POST APPROVAL EXPERIENCE) with the use of CLARO®. Wear eye protection when administering CLARO®. (see Human Warnings, PRECAUTIONS, POST APPROVAL EXPERIENCE). ©2021 Elanco or its affiliates. Claro, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. PM-US-21-1415 SAVE THE DAY. Use Claro ® for your most common Otitis cases.

starting with baby steps. I recommend only increasing the duration of ear touching as the animal is displaying signs of comfort and acceptance with the routine. When teaching desensitization techniques to your clients, I encourage utilization of technicians, especially if they demonstrate an interest in behavior. Clients are comfortable asking technicians questions, and it provides further opportunity for the pet to receive rewards in the clinic before

If cytology shows infection with coccoid bacteria, usually Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Malassezia spp. or a

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