Veterinary 2025 Guide: Otomax®/Tri‑Otic® for Canine Otitis Externa 🐶🩺

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. This 2025 guide examines Otomax® and Tri‑Otic®—combination otic ointments containing gentamicin, betamethasone, and clotrimazole—to treat bacterial and yeast ear infections in dogs. We cover dosing, mechanism, risks, monitoring, and empowering client education, supported by Ask A Vet tools 😊.

🔍 1. What Is Otomax® / Tri‑Otic®?

These are prescription otic ointments combining:
• Gentamicin: broad-spectrum antibiotic.
• Betamethasone: corticosteroid to reduce inflammation.
• Clotrimazole: antifungal targeting Malassezia yeast :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

🎯 2. Approved & Off‑Label Use

• FDA‑approved for treating acute and chronic otitis externa in dogs due to susceptible bacteria/yeast :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Commonly used extra‑label in cats or skin infections under veterinary supervision :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

💧 3. Dosing & Administration

• Typical regimen: 4 drops/ear BID for dogs < 30 lb; 8 drops/ear BID for those ≥ 30 lb; over 7 days :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Clean and dry the ear canal before application; trim hair as needed :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Massage the ear after instilling drops for proper medication distribution :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• If a dose is missed, apply when remembered unless it’s nearly next scheduled dose—do not double-dip :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

⚠️ 4. Safety & Side Effects

• Topical irritation (redness, blistering, itching) is most common :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Temporary hearing loss or vestibular dysfunction in sensitive or geriatric dogs—usually reversible :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Systemic corticosteroid effects (PU/PD, weight changes) possible if ingested or overused :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Delayed wound healing if used beyond 7 days :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

🚫 5. Contraindications & Precautions

• Do NOT use if eardrum is perforated—risk of inner‑ear damage :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Avoid in animals hypersensitive to any components :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Use caution if concurrent ototoxic drugs are used :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

🩺 6. Monitoring & Re‑Evaluation

• Check for improvement in odor, discharge, redness, and irritation by day 3–4.
• If hearing loss or vestibular signs appear, stop treatment and flush ear with non‑ototoxic solution :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Reassess with cytology or culture if no improvement by day 7.

📝 7. Client Education & At‑Home Care

• Demonstrate proper ear cleaning and application technique.
• Explain importance of eardrum check before use and avoiding double‑dosing.
• Inform owners about common vs. urgent side effects—hearing loss, PU/PD, swelling.
• Recommend Ask A Vet app for reminders, symptom logging, and easy vet communication 😊.

📌 8. 2025 Vet Takeaways

• Otomax®/Tri‑Otic® is a potent triple‑action ointment tailored for canine otitis externa.
• Proper dosing and canal preparation (cleaning + drying) are essential.
• Ensure intact eardrum; watch for ototoxic or steroid effects.
• Discontinue if adverse signs appear; flush ear and reevaluate.
• Effective owner support—with tools like Ask A Vet—boosts outcomes 😊.

At Ask A Vet, we provide dosing guides, reminder tools, symptom trackers, and 24/7 vet messaging to ensure safe, effective use of Otomax®/Tri‑Otic®. Encourage clients to download our app for better ear‑care compliance and pet comfort ❤️