Dechra extends otitis externa product range with the launch of DuOtic otic gel

Monday 23 June 2025

June 23 2025 - Dechra has extended its otitis externa product range with the launch of DuOtic 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 percent¹. The most common primary 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.} 

Featuring the active ingredients terbinafine 10 mg and betamethasone 1 mg, DuOtic helps reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics for yeast-only otitis externa 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 Alison Casey, Dechra’s commercial manager for Ireland. “DuOtic is a welcome addition to our extensive otitis externa product range and is 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.” 

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. 

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. Zur, G., et al ( 2011 ) The association between the signalment common causes of canine otitis externa and pathogens. Journal of Small Animal Practice 52(5): 254 – 258  
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)