Leading veterinary dermatologist Sue Paterson has raised concerns that veterinary surgeons are not prioritising pain relief in otitis externa (OE) cases, in a new series of videos commissioned by Elanco Animal Health for Osurnia Gel.

Sue, an RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatalogy and Senior Vice President of the European Society of Dermatology, says the failure to prioritise pain relief is having a "profound effect on the quality of life of both dogs and clients."

Sue is urging vets to think about the impact that pain has on both the dog and owner in cases of OE: "Otitis externa is painful, it’s debilitating, and the degree of discomfort is often underestimated by both the veterinary surgeon and by the client."

Sue also says vets should not underestimate the owner’s concern about pain in their dog. Owners recognise the clinical signs associated with the pain of OE and determine treatment success by their dog recovering from these distressing symptoms.

To help manage the pain associated with OE, Sue recommends a multi-modal approach: "In addition to systemic pain relief, which is really important, a potent topical steroid is really useful to reduce the inflammation inside that dog’s ear, and make it much more comfortable."

Sue also highlights OE treatments which are able to coat the ear canal and stay there long enough to treat the pathogens and provide sustained pain relief: "When you put it into the ear, Osurnia Gel coats the lining of the external ear canal which gives prolonged contact with the lining of the canal to help treat the pathogens inside that dog’s ear."

Elanco says that despite Osurnia entering the market two years ago, some vets are still saving it for difficult cases. Sue said: "Too many vets use this [Osurnia] as a second-line drug and it should be used as a first-line product on the first occasion the dog comes through the door."

To watch the full series of videos and to find out more from Sue Paterson on treating otitis externa in dogs, visit: www.Osurnia.co.uk

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