THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF OTITIS EXTERNA IN DOGS: CLEANING PROTOCOLS AND TOPICAL ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY

Abstract

External otitis in dogs has a high prevalence in veterinary clinics, directly impacting animal welfare. Appropriate therapeutic management is essential to cure this disease, with topical treatment being indispensable for cases of superficial otitis. This study aimed to review the scientific literature on the therapeutic management of external otitis in dogs, focusing on cleaning protocols and topical antibiotic therapy. The methodology adopted was a narrative literature review, analyzing works published in the last five years, available in electronic databases, that extensively address the topic. These works present the challenges of bacterial and fungal resistance to multiple antimicrobials, showing, based on tests, which are the best drugs to be used for each case. Furthermore, the analyzed studies seek to attest to the importance of cleaning the ear canal and disrupting biofilms that inactivate topical antimicrobials, highlighting superior products chosen for this function. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of otological formulations and the use of adjuvants, such as Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CPP), demonstrate a significant impact on therapeutic efficacy. In the long term, it must be understood that the success in treating otitis externa in dogs depends not only on controlling secondary infection but also on identifying the underlying cause, which often stems from canine atopic dermatitis or food allergy. To this end, treatments should be instituted that contribute to reducing relapses and preventing the selection of resistant microbial strains.