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Osurnia (Florfenicol, Terbinafine, Betamethasone)

Written by Dr. Feargus McConnell, BVSc on the Jan.16, 2024

Petdirect is dedicated to providing educational pet health content for pet parents. This article was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer common questions about your pet’s medication. Our focus is on delivering unbiased information to help you understand how medication works, its potential side effects, and FAQs for your reference. Always administer medication directly as prescribed by your vet. This article shouldn’t take the place of advice from your vet.

What is Osurnia?

Osurnia® is a veterinary otic (ear) gel used for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs. This condition, commonly known as an ear infection, can be caused by bacteria (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) or yeast (Malassezia pachydermatitis). Clinical signs of otitis externa can include head shaking, an unpleasant odour, redness/itchiness and hair loss around the ear. Osurnia® contains three active substances - Florfenicol (an antibacterial), Terbinafine (an antifungal), and Betamethasone (a steroidal anti-inflammatory).

How does it work?

Osurnia® combines the actions of its three active ingredients to combat infection and inflammation in the ear. As an anti-bacterial,

  • Florfenicol functions by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis which effectively stops the growth and spread of the bacteria.
  • Terbinafine effectively disrupts the formation of fungal cell membranes by specifically targeting and inhibiting a crucial enzyme in the cell wall of the fungus.
  • Betamethasone works by suppressing the release of inflammatory chemicals.

This reduces the overall immune response, leading to a decrease in swelling, redness, and discomfort in the ear canal. This not only provides relief from symptoms but also aids in creating a better environment for healing.

Dose and Administration

Veterinarians or their staff must administer the first treatment with Osurnia Ear Gel for Dogs. Veterinarians are to determine whether pet owners should administer the second treatment. Under the guidance of your veterinarian, Osurnia® is generally administered with one tube for each affected ear, followed by a second dose after 7 days. Prior to administering Osurnia®, it's crucial to ensure the ear canal is clean, dry and the tympanic membrane (eardrum) is intact. After administration, gently massage the ear and restrain the dog to avoid head shaking and splattering of the medication and accidental eye exposure to dogs and humans.

During the administration of Osurnia®, it is advised to wear eye protection to avoid any accidental splatter that could lead to eye exposure.

Contraindications and Precautions

Do not give this medication if your dog has a perforated eardrum. Avoid use in dogs that have shown hypersensitivity to the active components of the medication. Use with caution in diabetic dogs. Avoid use in pregnant or lactating dogs.

Potential Side Effects

This medication will irritate the eyes. Avoid contact with the eyes and skin. If your dog exhibits signs of inner ear problems such as head tilt, hearing loss, walking in circles, trouble walking, contact your vet immediately. If the medication irritates the skin around the ear, the ear should be be thoroughly flushed with a gentle ear cleanser.

Storage and Handling

Osurnia® is stored in single-use tubes which should be kept at a controlled room temperature. Store Osurnia in the fridge at 2-8 degrees C. Keep out of reach of children and other pets.

During the administration of Osurnia®, it is advised to wear eye protection to avoid any accidental splatter that could lead to eye exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Osurnia® be used for cats?

  • Osurnia® is not specifically formulated for use in cats. For cat-specific treatment options, please seek advice from your veterinarian.

How long does the treatment take?

  • The treatment involves two doses, one week apart. The ear canal should not be cleaned for 45 days after the initial dose to maintain the medication's effectiveness.

What should I do if my dog experiences side effects?

  • If you notice any adverse reactions, such as ear irritation, vomiting, or changes in hearing contact your veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

Osnuria is an effective medication in managing otitis externa in dogs. While it offers therapeutic benefits, understanding its usage, side effects, and precautions is important for responsible pet care. We hope this article provides a clear understanding of Osnuria for your pet. Remember, always seek advice from your veterinarian for any health-related decisions for your pets.