Abelia

Products in the Abelia range are available as aqueous ear solutions, intended for local administration into the external ear canal of animals.

The main variants are:

• Abelia GlycoZoo, an ear solution with cerumenolytic, keratolytic and lipolytic properties, intended for cleaning and drying the ear canal.
• Abelia TrisEDTA, a sanitising ear solution with alkalising properties and a chelating effect, used to prepare the ear canal prior to antimicrobial treatments.

Both products are available in 118 ml bottles, fitted with a delivery system that facilitates direct application into the ear canal. 

Abelia solutions are recommended for ear hygiene management and to support the treatment of ear conditions in dogs and cats.

Key indications include:

• ear conditions associated with fungal infections, particularly those caused by Malassezia spp.;
• otitis externa involving Gram-negative bacteria (e.g. Pseudomonas spp., Proteus spp.) or Gram-positive bacteria (such as Staphylococcus spp. or beta-haemolytic streptococci);
• excessive accumulation of earwax, desquamated epithelial cells or debris;
• ear conditions characterised by seborrhoea or hyperkeratinisation;
• preparation of the ear canal prior to the administration of ear treatments prescribed by the veterinarian.

Abelia products should be administered in accordance with the veterinary surgeon’s recommendations and depending on the animal’s size and the severity of the ear condition.

In general, the following is recommended:

• apply 1–5 ml of solution into the ear canal, depending on the animal’s breed and size;
• gently massage the base of the ear for a few seconds to help the solution spread evenly;
• remove any excess liquid using a cotton wool pad or paper towel.

The use of Abelia solutions is generally well tolerated, but there are certain situations in which administration should be carried out with caution.

Contraindications include:

• known hypersensitivity to any of the product’s components;
• inappropriate or excessive use without the recommendation of a vet;
• severe ear conditions requiring specific medical intervention.

Abelia solutions have a number of features that set them apart from other ear care products:

• the absence of antibiotics and corticosteroids, which reduces the risk of bacterial resistance;
• suitable for long-term use, including for preventive purposes;
• compatibility with allergy tests, without interfering with their results;
• a water-based, non-irritating formula, well tolerated by most animals;
• a subtle scent or no scent at all, which makes the product more acceptable to the animal.

The incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of Abelia products is very low.

Occasionally, the following may occur:

• mild discomfort immediately after application;
• pruritus or transient irritation in the ear canal;
• shaking the head or rubbing the ear.

Abelia products are frequently used in combination with veterinary-prescribed otic treatments to enhance their efficacy.

For example, Abelia TrisEDTA may increase the sensitivity of bacteria to locally administered antibiotics, due to its chelating effect and the alteration of the pH of the ear environment. No significant interactions with food or other veterinary products used systemically have been reported.

Overdose is unlikely when the product is used as directed.

However, excessive application may cause local irritation or temporary discomfort. In such cases, gentle cleaning of the ear and consultation with a veterinarian to assess the condition of the ear canal are recommended.

Abelia products should be stored:

• at room temperature, away from direct sources of heat;
• in the original, tightly sealed packaging;
• out of reach of children and animals.

It is recommended to use the product before the expiry date indicated on the packaging.

• PubMed, Clinical, cytological and microbiological evaluation of a topical boric acid and alcohol solution for the treatment of canine otitis externa: a randomised, open-label, controlled clinical trial
• PetvetBiomed.com, Treatment and prevention of 95% of cases of otitis externa in dogs caused by Malassezia spp., with a solution of boric acid, glycolic acid and ceramides (GlycoZoo®ABELIA)
• PubMed, In vitro activity of an ear-cleaning solution containing tromethamine, EDTA and benzyl alcohol against bacterial pathogens from dogs with otitis
• AVMA, Treating recurrent otitis externa in dogs: what have we learnt and what can we improve?