Vetoquinol Oridermyl ear ointment, 10 g is a veterinary medicine for otitis and dermatitis of the external ear canal in dogs and cats. It has four active ingredients: permethrin against ear mites, the antibiotic neomycin against bacteria, nystatin against fungi (including Malassezia) and the corticosteroid triamcinolone, which relieves inflammation and itching. The ointment goes into the cleaned ear canal, and the course lasts 21 days — the full ear mite life cycle.
What it is and who makes it
Oridermyl is made by the French veterinary company Vetoquinol. It belongs to the ear treatments that combine an antibiotic and a corticosteroid. It's used once a vet has confirmed the cause of otitis — mites, bacteria or fungi.
Ingredients
| Substance (per 100 g) | Action |
|---|---|
| Permethrin, 1 g | Kills the ear mite Otodectes cynotis |
| Neomycin sulphate, 350,000 IU | Antibiotic against staphylococci, E. coli and other bacteria |
| Nystatin, 10,000,000 IU | Antifungal, against Malassezia and Candida |
| Triamcinolone acetonide, 0.1 g | Relieves inflammation, swelling and itching |
How to use it
- Before treatment, a vet checks that the eardrum is intact.
- Clean the ear canal with an ear cleaner.
- Apply a pea-sized amount of ointment into the ear.
- Gently massage the base of the ear to spread it.
- Wipe away any excess from the ear flap.
- Continue for the full 21 days even if itching stops earlier. The vet sets how often to apply it.
Pros
- Four actions in one. Mites, bacteria, fungi and inflammation.
- For dogs and cats. Cats from 8 weeks and 1.5 kg.
- Stays in the ear. Doesn't run out as quickly as drops.
- Fast itch relief. The corticosteroid means less scratching.
- Compact tube. 10 g covers a course for one animal.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- A diagnosis is needed. Otitis has different causes; without an exam you may treat the wrong one.
- Not with a damaged eardrum. This is the key contraindication, and a vet checks it.
- Long course. 21 days — any shorter and the mites come back.
- Possible side effects. Mild ear redness, rarely temporary hearing loss in older animals; very rarely unsteadiness and tremor in cats, in which case treatment stops.
- Shelf life after opening. Per the instructions, use an opened tube within 28 days.
Signs of otitis and ear mites
The animal shakes its head, scratches its ears or tilts its head; there's dark brown discharge like coffee grounds (typical of mites), an unpleasant smell, redness and pain on touch. Ear mites are highly contagious — if one animal has them, all cats and dogs in the home are checked and treated.
Prevention
Check the ears weekly and clean them with an ear cleaner when dirty, no deeper than the visible part. Dry the ears after bathing and swimming. Dogs with floppy ears and lots of hair in the ears need care more often. More in how to clean a dog's and cat's ears and eyes and our Aurikap ear cleaner review.
Who it suits
Dogs and cats with confirmed otitis caused by ear mites, bacteria or fungi, as prescribed by a vet. For comparison, see our AnimAll VetLine ear drops review; other products are in eye, ear and skin care.
Verdict
Oridermyl is an effective combination ointment against ear mites, bacteria, fungi and inflammation. Its strength is its broad action; the key conditions are a vet's diagnosis and an intact eardrum. The 21-day course must be completed.
How to apply it if your pet resists
Wrap a cat in a towel, leaving the head free; sit a small dog on your lap facing away from you. Fold the ear flap upwards to straighten the ear canal, insert the tube tip only into the visible part and squeeze out the ointment. Massage the base of the ear straight away — you'll hear a squelching sound. Let your pet go: it will shake its head and the excess will come out, so wipe it away with a tissue. Praise your pet and give a treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should Oridermyl be used?
Per the instructions, 21 days — the full ear mite life cycle.
Can kittens have it?
Kittens over 8 weeks and weighing at least 1.5 kg.
Should the ear be cleaned first?
Yes, cleaning the ear canal is recommended.
Can it be used without a vet?
Not recommended: it's contraindicated with a damaged eardrum, which only a vet can check.
How much ointment should be applied?
A pea-sized amount.
How long does an opened tube last?
Per the instructions, use it within 28 days of opening.
