Use of a modified Burow's solution to treat canine otitis externa: A randomised comparative clinical study

Abstract

Background Given the increase in antimicrobial drug resistance of several pathogens that affect the ear, there is a need for alternative therapy for canine otitis externa (OE). We hypothesised that the efficacy of modified Burow's solution would be non‐inferior to that of standard treatment with Surolan. Methods The treatment success rate of a topical aluminum acetate 2% and betamethasone 0.1% (modified Burow's) otic solution was compared with that of a standard topical otic treatment of polymyxin B sulfate, prednisolone acetate and miconazole (Surolan) suspension in a prospective, open‐label clinical trial. For 10 days, 142 dogs (232 ears) with OE were treated with modified Burow's solution or Surolan. The primary study endpoint was the cure rate at 10 days. Clinical efficacy was analysed as a secondary endpoint but without assessment for non‐inferiority. Results The 10‐day OE cure rate was 65% and 59% in the Burow's and Surolan groups, respectively. The modified Burow's solution was non‐inferior to Surolan at a non‐inferiority margin of –11.5% and was more clinically effective than Surolan in dogs with OE caused by yeast or bacteria. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that modified Burow's solution is an effective treatment for OE in dogs.