This question was asked during our webinar titled "Tackling Itchy and Smelly Ears":
Question:
What are your criteria for choosing a long-acting product (vs. short)? You also talked about long-acting products that are single application vs 2 applications (day 1 & 7) or weekly? Just when do we need 30-45 days of antimicrobial coverage / efficacy?
Answer by Jason Pieper, DVM, MS, DACVD:
The main reason to go with the long-acting products, in my mind, is compliance. If clients are unable to medicate regularly, then a long-acting product is necessary. With that said, if there is a lot of wax or purulent debris being produced - in which regular cleaning is necessary - a short-acting product is necessary to allow that regular cleaning. The question about the length of time is a great one! The more I think about this concept ... we are unlikely to need treatment beyond 15 days for most otitis externa cases, so having a longer acting product is likely not necessary.
