Is Easotic safe for my cat's ear infection? Label says dogs only.

Gentamycin is a common ingredient in ear medications. There is a small risk of damaging the hearing, especially if the ear drum is not intact. When I diagnose an ear infection in a pet, I recommend a two-part treatment. The first is with a cleaner to remove any debris; I like DECHRA DermaPet Malacetic Otic. This is important as ear medications need to contact the skin of the ear and if there is ear wax or other debris in the way, then the medications can't work. After the ears are dry, you can apply the medication. Ears typically need to be treated twice a day for 7-10 days. Cats can commonly get ear mites that may look like an ear infection. If you have not treated Melcho for ear mites, I recommend doing so now. If the ear infection does not resolve after using an ear cleaner and the Dexoryl within a week, then Melcho should see the vet as he could have a resistant bacteria growing, yeast infection, parasites, or even a polyp causing problems deep in his ear. I cannot find a list of ingredients for the Trixie ear drops, so I cannot tell you if they would be helpful.

Mometamax can be used in cats "off label". Meaning the label does not state that it can be used in cats only because the company did not do clinical trials on it in that species (usually because it is very costly). I do no think this was a mistake and I would go ahead and use it as prescribed.

The reason why the prices in the vet's office for treatment for the ear infection are more expensive is because those treatments contain the strong medication needed to treat NJ's ear infection. OTC treatments by law cannot contain these medications because they require a prescription from a vet to treat. While I know it seems expensive, it's best to only treat him with medication from the vet. It is the safest thing to do, and will give the best results. I hope this helps and NJ feels better soon!

Hello. I would be very cautious about using the Efex for such a long period of time. Our veterinary formulary says the maximum use in cats should not exceed 30 days, but even at this time frame, you can still wind up with side effects from the long term use of any flouroquinolone, or run into a problem with antibiotic resistance. If the otitis interna was definitively diagnosed by radiography & myringotomy & this antibiotic was chosen based on a culture & sensitivity, then I would administer the antibiotic with frequent rechecks. Otherwise, an MRI may be necessary to confirm the condition. This may be the antibiotic to use, but 42 days is a bit worrisome. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If the infection goes that far, we often use antibiotics tablets (sometimes two different types at the same time, as Melcho is having now) and strong anti-inflammatory medications, usually steroids. You should get in touch with your vets again, as it sounds that your Melcho is struggling at the moment and he may benefit from more aggressive therapy.

Without knowing the type of antibiotic, it is hard to know. The cat should be examined by a vet to determine the exact type of ear infection and the best medication to treat. If the cat has ear mites or a yeast infection, the antibiotic is not going to help treat the problem. Also, if the ear drum is ruptured there are certain antibiotics that should not be used. Please have your vet look at your cat before treating him with medications.

That would likely be safe as long as the ear drum is normal. Sometimes infections if the ear can cause the ear drum to tear. EpiOtic ear cleaner is another option that is safe and should be ok even if the ear drum is slightly damaged.