Veterinary 2025 Guide: Mometamax® for Otitis Externa in Dogs 🐶🩺

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. In this 2025 guide we explore Mometamax®—a triple-combination otic suspension (gentamicin, mometasone, clotrimazole) used for treating mild to moderate otitis externa in dogs. We’ll cover mechanism, proper dosing, side effects, precautions, monitoring, and how to educate clients effectively with support from Ask A Vet 😊.

🔎 1. What Is Mometamax®?

Mometamax® combines:

• Gentamicin: broad-spectrum antibiotic targeting Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Clotrimazole: antifungal agent effective against Malassezia yeast :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Mometasone furoate: corticosteroid reducing inflammation in the ear canal :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

FDA‑approved for dogs; used off-label in cats under veterinarian supervision :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

💊 2. Dosing & Administration

• Apply once daily for 7 days, following thorough cleaning and drying of the ear :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Dogs <30 lb: 4 drops per ear; ≥30 lb: 8 drops once daily :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Shake well before use; ensure ear drum is intact to avoid inner-ear damage :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• If a dose is missed, administer when remembered—unless it's nearly time for the next dose :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

⚠️ 3. Side Effects & Risks

• Local irritation: redness, itching, swelling, blistering possible at application site :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Temporary hearing loss or vestibular signs (e.g., head tilt, ataxia) reported, especially in geriatric or sensitive dogs—usually reversible :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Prolonged use (>7 days): may delay ear canal healing and suppress immune response :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• If systemic ingestion occurs, watch for corticosteroid effects: increased thirst, urination, weight gain, or immunosuppression :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🔍 4. Precautions & Contraindications

• Do not use if the tympanic membrane is ruptured—risk of ototoxicity :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Avoid use in pregnant dogs and owners should wear gloves to avoid steroid contact :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Avoid other ototoxic medications concurrently (e.g., aminoglycosides, loop diuretics) :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Use only as prescribed—no off‑label systemic use :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

📋 5. Monitoring & Follow‑Up

• Monitor daily for improvement in itching, redness, discharge, and odor.
• If hearing loss or vestibular signs occur, discontinue immediately, flush the ear, and assess :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• If no improvement after 7 days, reevaluate the ear canal and consider cytology, culture or alternative therapy.

📝 6. Client Education & Home Support

• Demonstrate proper ear cleaning and technique—shake bottle, warm to body temperature, instill drops, and massage gently.
• Explain signs of hearing loss or dizziness—advise immediate vet contact.
• Stress importance of completing 7‑day treatment; avoiding overuse.
• Recommend Ask A Vet app for dosing alarms, symptom tracking, and easy access to veterinary support 😊.

📌 7. 2025 Vet Takeaways

• Mometamax® is a highly effective single-daily treatment for otitis externa in dogs—combining antibiotic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory action.
• Approved for 7-day use; requires intact ear drum and cleaning beforehand.
• Monitor for local irritation, transient hearing loss, or vestibular signs—discontinue and flush if noted.
• Ensure proper handling: gloves, avoid ingestion, observe for systemic steroid effects.
• Use app-based client tools to improve compliance, monitoring, and outcomes 😊.

At Ask A Vet, we support practices with interactive dosing guides, symptom trackers, and 24/7 vet communication tools to help pet owners confidently treat ear infections with Mometamax®. Recommend our free app to enhance client adherence and patient comfort ❤️