Randomized comparative field clinical trial of hydrocortisone aceponate/gentamicin/miconazole otic suspension vs. mometasone furoate/florfenicol/terbinafine otic solution for the treatment of canine otitis externa

This randomized, masked, multi-center field clinical trial compared two otic formulations: a gentamicin, miconazole, and hydrocortisone aceponate otic suspension (Easotic™, Virbac) administered once daily for five days, and a single-dose florfenicol, terbinafine, and mometasone furoate otic solution (Claro™, Elanco). Eighty-six client-owned dogs with acute otitis externa (OTIS3 score ≥ 5) were evaluated at 4 h post-application and on Days 2, 7, and 28. Based on the percentage of dogs achieving an OTIS3 score ≤ 3 at Day 28, both treatments (Easotic™ vs. Claro™) showed high efficacy (Intention-to-Treat (ITT): 85% vs. 79%, p = 0.400; Per Protocol (PP): 94% vs. 88%, p = 0.261). Easotic™ demonstrated a higher percentage of OTIS3 score reduction compared to Claro™ from Day 2. At Day 2, Easotic™ achieved greater improvements in ear discharge, odor, dirtiness, and stenosis compared to Claro™. Veterinarians' overall assessment of “ Excellent ” response was higher for Easotic™ at Day 7 (ITT: 50% vs. 26%, p = 0.009; PP: 49% vs. 29%, p = 0.010) and Day 28 (ITT: 62% vs. 36%, p = 0.017; PP: 76% vs. 44%, p = 0.002;). Similarly, 91% of the owners assessed the response to treatment as “ Good ” or “ Excellent ” with Easotic™, and 89% with Claro™. Notwithstanding the differences in dosing regimens, both products received comparable evaluations from owners regarding their physical and functional characteristics. The results of this study confirm the efficacy of Easotic™ in the management of otitis externa, notably to reduce ear discharge, stenosis, odor and dirtiness from Day 2.