Investigation of Prevention Strategies and Treatment Options of Otitis in Dogs (with current bacterial ear infection)

Investigation of Alternative Treatment Options for Pseudomonas Otitis in Dogs

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is currently recruiting dogs with recurrent bacterial ear infections currently diagnosed with >50% Pseudomonas isolate from a bacteria culture.

Enrollment Status: Currently Enrolling

Inclusion Criteria: Any client-owned dog diagnosed with >50% Pseudomonas isolate from a bacteria culture. The dog must stop taking oral and/or topical antibiotics two weeks prior to enrolling in the study. The owner and dog must be able to come to the clinic every two weeks for six consecutive weeks. If dog(s) are taking systemic itch drugs, such as Apoquel, Atopica (cyclosporin), Cytopoint, etc, they need to stay in that regimen throughout the study.

Exclusion Criteria: Dogs currently using systemic antibiotics, and dogs with otitis so severe that require systemic antibiotics as treatment.

Treatment: Enrolled dogs will receive either a placebo or the treatment group. Each dog will have an initial ear evaluation. Each owner is responsible for applying treatment in each ear canal twice a day, twice weekly flushes with Tris-EDTA are allowed. Appointments should be scheduled every two weeks for six weeks. Owners will be required to maintain their pet on a stable flea/tick prevention and maintain their diet and environment.

Cost: The study covers the cost of dermatological exams and the study treatment or placebo. In case any rescue medication administration is needed, those costs will also be covered. There are no additional costs. An estimate of costs that the owner will be responsible for will be made available at the time of admission.

Contact: Contact study coordinator Nathalie Munguia at NMUNGUIA@UFL.EDU to schedule an appointment or fill out the Study Interest Form.

PI: Dr. Rosanna Marsella

Background: Ear infections can be harmful to both dogs and their owners. Infections can have severe consequences. Untreated chronic otitis can lead to deafness and neurological problems. Preventive measures should be taken to minimize the development and recurrence of otitis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a possible new treatment option for dogs with recurrent bacterial ear infections; as antibiotic resistance in this type of infections is becoming increasingly common. This study will investigate the efficacy of bacteriophages to treat Pseudomonas otitis. Phages are benign viruses that feed on bacteria and effectively kill the bacteria. Our team has developed a cocktail of phages that was selected to address Pseudomonas using isolates from canine patients with active ear infections. Dogs will receive an otoscopic examination and cytological assessment every two weeks for six weeks.