Efficacy of Boric-Complexed Zinc and Acetic-Complexed Zinc Otic Preparations for Canine Yeast Otitis Externa

Abstract

The purpose of this 2-week, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of topical amino acid-complexed zinc gluconate formulated with boric acid (ZGB) or acetic acid (ZGA) versus a topical placebo in the treatment of yeast otitis externa in dogs. Included in the study were dogs with otitis externa and a cytopathological finding of yeast organisms in the affected ear. Ears were treated with the placebo, ZGA, or ZGB medications. Yeast counts as well as clinical appearance of the ears were monitored. Results revealed that ZGB significantly reduced the number of yeast organisms in cases of otitis externa.

Study to assessin vitroantimicrobial activity of nine ear cleaners against 50Malassezia pachydermatisisolates

“…Boric acid is commonly used as a treatment for human fungal otitis . In one in vivo study, a boric acid‐complexed zinc gluconate cleaner was found to be efficacious, in contrast to an acetic acid‐complexed zinc gluconate cleaner . The in vivo antiyeast activity of MalAcetic Aural ® has been reported previously .…”

“…21 In one in vivo study, a boric acid-complexed zinc gluconate cleaner was found to be efficacious, in contrast to an acetic acid-complexed zinc gluconate cleaner. 18 The in vivo antiyeast activity of Mal-Acetic Aural â has been reported previously. 22 In view of other study results, it seems likely that it is the 2% boric acid in this product that confers its anti-Malassezia activity.…”

“…This study was undertaken to investigate the in vitro activity of nine ear cleaners against 50 M. pachydermatis isolates. Antiseptics with activity against M. pachydermatis may offer an alternative to the use of polypharmacy drugs that contain antibiotics . Five of the ear cleaners analysed (Epi‐Otic ® , MalAcetic Aural ® , Otodine ® , Otoclean ® and Sancerum ® ) have previously been shown to have in vitro activity against M. pachydermatis .…”

“…Antiseptics with activity against M. pachydermatis may offer an alternative to the use of polypharmacy drugs that contain antibiotics. 13,18 Five of the ear cleaners analysed (Epi-Otic â , MalAcetic Aural â , Otodine â , Otoclean â and Sancerum â ) have previously been shown to have in vitro activity against M. pachydermatis. 13,17,19 To the authors' knowledge, this is the first assessment of in vitro activity of Cerumaural â , Surosolve â , TrizUltra TM + Keto and reformulated CleanAural Dog â .…”

“…This has created interest in using topical antiseptics present in some ear cleaners for the prevention and management of surface bacteria and yeast infections, as well as for their cleansing properties in COE cases . Antiseptic ear cleaners also have potential for treatment of COE cases where topical steroids are causing unacceptable adverse effects or are contraindicated, e.g. pregnancy and diabetes mellitus.…”