Ear canal problems are very common in dogs, especially in Georgia. The primary cause is allergies, leading to infections, yeast (fungal) overgrowth, and inflammation. Ear complaints bring many patients into our clinic. Dogs are always scratching, shaking their heads, sometimes traumatizing the pinna (flap) of the ear with their nails or causing a hematoma (blood-filled ear) from excessive shaking. The smell of a bacterial infection like Pseudomonas can almost knock you out, and the smell of yeast overgrowth or infection is not pleasant.
Acidic ear cleansers like MalAcetic Otic have been shown to be able to eliminate yeast overgrowth. Topical steroids like hydrocortisone also are helpful in reducing inflammation and allowing the ear to clean itself naturally. Finally, ketoconazole is used as a topical antifungal drug for many conditions, including as a dandruff shampoo in people, targeting a similar fungal species (Malassezia). These three ingredients work synergistically.
In many cases, I recommend the sister cleanser, MalAcetic Otic, which does not include the steroid or the antifungal. When we can treat a case without any strong medicines at all, I think we are being very judicious in our use of the medication. However, for some patients, the addition of the steroid can make a big difference.
For maintenance purposes, I like using MalAcetic Ultra Otic at the first sign of discomfort in the ear. The cleaning method is to fill the ear canal up with the liquid and massage the cartilage, letting the liquid do the work. The liquid can then be removed with a cotton ball or gauze, or the dog can be allowed to shake it out. Cleaning at the first sign of trouble often resolves it in one or two cleanings, 12 hours apart. For more established problems, twice daily cleaning may need to continue for up to 2 weeks to achieve control.
There are other ear cleansers in the same category but this one combines a nice fragrance and seems to work rapidly for my pets. That’s why I recommend it.
Feel free to check it out on our online store.
Reference: Rème CA, Pin D, Collinot C, Cadiergues MC, Joyce JA, Fontaine J. The efficacy of an antiseptic and microbial anti-adhesive ear cleanser in dogs with otitis externa. Vet Ther. 2006 Spring;7(1):15-26. PMID: 16598680.