Therapeutic efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma in four golden retrievers with acute otitis externa.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a new therapeutic tool used to treat various skin diseases in humans and animals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of CAP in the treatment of canine acute otitis externa (AOE). ANIMALS: Four client-owned golden retriever dogs with bilateral AOE. METHODS AND MATERIALS: After cleaning with a commercial ear cleanser, right ears (STANDARD group) were treated with an antibiotic/antifungal/corticosteroid combination and left ears (CAP group) were treated with CAP every three days for a total of four treatments. Cytological score and otitis index score (OTIS)3 were recorded for each ear on Day (D)0, D10 and D15. At D10 and D15, owners and investigators recorded an overall assessment. RESULTS: In both groups, OTIS3 and cytological score decreased over the study period. The overall assessment scale ranged from moderate to excellent in both groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cold atmospheric plasma treatment showed equal therapeutic effect compared with a commercial topical anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ear treatment.