Leading Veterinary Dermatologist Reveals Help for Ear Infections
By Carol Bryant, Professional Pet Blogger
Ear infections of the outer ear are one of the most common reasons pet parents seek veterinary intervention. Better known as otitis externa, dogs of any age or breed can develop an outer or inner ear infection. Severe cases can be challenging to cure, making this a frustrating and potentially expensive medical condition for everyone.
Pet King Brands recently welcomed Julia E. Miller, DVM, DACVD, a distinguished veterinarian known for her expertise in Dermatology. During this groundbreaking webinar presented by dvm360 Flex, which Pet King Brands sponsored, Dr. Miller addressed the topic of difficult exudative externa cases.
What Causes Otitis Externa
Dr. Miller reports when a patient with severe otitis externa walks into her office, she can smell the odor right away. When an external ear infection is not treated, it can progress to the middle ear (otitis media) and even the inner ear (otitis interna.)
Unfortunately, when the inner ear gets severely damaged by infection, partial or total loss of hearing can occur. Dr. Miller wants pet parents to work with their veterinarians and follow up with rechecks to eradicate the otitis externa infection.
One of the main reasons for outer ear infections in pets is allergies. Coupled with increased moisture, temperature, and lack of cleaning, the ear canal is ideal for infections and microbial overgrowth.
Treating Severe Cases of Otitis Externa
“This is a product I am obsessed with, I use it all the time, and I brought it to my current practice because I literally could not live without it,” Dr. Miller stated.
She loves, uses, and recommends the Advanced Formula ZYMOX Plus Otic Solution line available with or without hydrocortisone because of the LP3 enzyme system and its antimicrobial action. It works on cocci, rods, and even Malassezia, but it also has the antibiofilm addition in the PLUS products, which Dr. Miller appreciates.
“A lot of treatments do not work if there is pus in the ear,” she reported. “ZYMOX Plus is designed to work on pus as a treatment and cleaner all in one.”
She wants pet parents and veterinarians to know that ZYMOX Plus received outstanding results in a 2022 study published in the Polish Journal of Veterinary Science.
After administering the product to eight dogs between two and four weeks, there was a significant reduction in erythema, edema, ulcerations, exudate, and pruritis.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Pet’s Ears
“The solution to pollution is dilution,” Dr. Miller shares. “You have to get the gunk out of the ear to be successful.”
One of Dr. Miller’s favorite products for regular maintenance after clearing up the infection is ZYMOX Otic Enzymatic Solution with 1.0% hydrocortisone solution.
This gentle, no-sting formula requires no pre-cleaning of ears before use. It is designed for ear care for both dogs and cats. Pet parents should follow instructions in conjunction with their veterinarian’s orders. Treating the ear once a day for seven days is the typical course of action or 14 days for chronic ear issues.
Where To Find ZYMOX Products
For detailed information about Pet King Brand’s complete line of enzymatic pet health products and where to purchase them, visit zymox.com.
About the Author
Gayle King introduced Carol Bryant as a “dog lover of the highest order” when she and her Cocker Spaniel, Dexter, appeared on Oprah Radio. Carol is well-known in the pet industry, having appeared on television, radio shows, and podcasts, as well as in articles from CNN and Yahoo to Dogster and Today.com. She is the founder of the award-winning blog FidoseofReality.com and is the Immediate Past President of the Dog Writers Association of America.
