Elanco Animal Health has announced the launch of Osurnia, a new treatment which it says will drive compliance when treating canine otitis externa infections.Elanco Animal Health has announced the launch of Osurnia, a new treatment which it says will drive compliance when treating canine otitis externa infections.

According to the company, compliance with daily ear drops has been shown to be poor, with up to 80% of owners administering the incorrect dose to their pet. The most common reason for a lack of compliance is the difficultly in applying the drops1

Elanco says that Osurnia has the potential to improve compliance in treating otitis externa significantly, because unlike other medications which require 5-28 doses during the course of treatment2, Osurnia only needs two-doses given a week apart.

Osurnia contains a gel formulation of three active ingredients including the antibiotic florfenicol, which is new to companion animal treatment in the UK, terbinafine, which inhibits the growth of yeast as demonstrated for Malassezia spp., and the glucocorticosteroid, betamethasone acetate, to help relieve discomfort.

Osurnia is administered in a pre-measured, single-dose tube designed to ensure the right dose every time. It has a flexible, soft tip designed to make treatment with Osurnia a comfortable experience for the dog. The gel formulation squeezes out of the tube and spreads through the ear, adhering inside the ear canal for long-lasting action. The dose is the same for any dog, regardless of size and weight.

Alice Laurens, DVM MRCVS, dermatology marketing manager at Elanco Animal Health said: “Otitis externa is a common challenge for both vets and clients, with ear infections among the ten most frequent reasons for dogs to be presented with vets, affecting up to 20% of dogs3.

“Osurnia is an innovative, effective treatment that is administered in just two doses ensuring it is much more convenient for pet owners thereby increasing the likelihood that they will complete the entire treatment schedule leading to more comfortable dogs and peace of mind for owners.”

Elanco has produced a client leaflet on treating otitis externa with Osurnia.  For further information, or to order client leaflets, please contact your local Elanco Animal Health Territory Manager or email elancoCAH.uk@elanco.com.

References

  1. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med, Vol 9, No2, 2011
  2. SPCs of other otitis externa treatments
  3. Angus J C: Otic cytology in health and disease. Vet Clin. Small Animal      2004, 34, 411-424

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