Dechra previews DuOtic otic gel for otitis externa at LVS

Dechra will be extending its otitis externa product range with the launch of DuOtic^Ò otic gel, the first licensed steroid and antifungal combination for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs associated with susceptible strains of Malassezia pachydermatis.

Otitis externa is a common condition in dogs with a prevalence of 7.3%¹. The most common cause of otitis externa is allergic skin disease² and Malassezia spp are often implicated as a secondary pathogen with studies showing that 26-44% of cases of otitis externa are associated with yeast alone^{3, 4}.

Previewed at the London Vet Show (LVS) and available from spring 2026, DuOtic features the active ingredients terbinafine 10 mg and betamethasone 1 mg to help reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics for yeast-only otitis externa. This is in line with best practice guidelines, which include performing ear cytology for every otitis externa case.

DuOtic is easy to administer in pre-measured single dose 1.2 g tubes to ensure the right dose is applied every time. One tube of the long-acting gel should be applied per ear canal by a vet and repeated after seven days, providing a second chance to discuss primary disease and long-term management with the owner during the consultation. The tube also features a flexible, soft tip that is gentle on a dog’s ears.

“Not all ears are the same and vets should stock a range of products to enable tailored treatment based on the needs of both the patient and the owner, while reducing the unnecessary use of antibiotics,” comments Jamie Walker MA VetMB MRCVS, veterinary technical manager at Dechra. “DuOtic will be a welcome addition to our extensive otitis externa product range and will be the first and only licensed long-acting steroid and antifungal otic gel for the treatment of ‘yeasty ears’ making it an ideal product for a vet’s treatment toolbox.”

Dan White MSc BSc RVN VTS (Dermatology) NCert SAN SQP, specialist dermatology nurse at Bristol Vet Specialists, adds: “DuOtic will change the way we treat patients that present with a Malassezia otitis, emphasising the importance of cytology to step away from polypharmacy treatments and prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics.”

Dechra has a range of initiatives to support vets who wish to learn more about otitis externa including the Lifelong Ear Partnership resources and educational CPD on Dechra Academy.

For further information on DuOtic please contact your local Dechra territory sales manager or visit www.dechra.co.uk/products/dog/prescription/duotic.

References

1. O’Neill, D.G., James, H., Brodbelt, D.C. et al. Prevalence of commonly diagnosed disorders in UK dogs under primary veterinary care: results and applications. BMC Vet Res 17, 69 (2021)

2. Bensignor, B. (2021) An approach to Otitis in BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dermatology4th ed. Gloucester, British Small Animal Veterinary Association 143-149
3. King, S.B, et al, (2018) A randomized, controlled, single-blinded, multicenter evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a once weekly two dose otic gel containing florfenicol, terbinafine and betamethasone administered for the treatment of canine otitis externa. BMC Vet Res 14, 307
4. Rigaut, D., Briantais, P., Jasmin, P. and Bidaud, A. Efficacy and safety of a hydrocortisone aceponate-containing ear spray solution in dogs with erythemato-ceruminous otitis externa: A randomised, multicentric, single-blinded, controlled trial. Veterinary Dermatology 35, 197-206 (2024)

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