In this post I will address some of the common questions asked about using the commonly prescribed topical ear antibiotic and antifungal product Mometamax. Given that most dogs with ear infections often have a combination of bacteria and/or yeast, this product is one of the most versatile products available in the veterinary pharmacy and available by prescription from 1800PetMeds. The combination of ingredients not only decreases the underlying allergic reaction, but the overgrowth of various bacteria and yeast involved in the majority of canine or feline ear infections.
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Although it is not labeled for use in cats, (as with many drugs used off label in our pets), many veterinarians have prescribed this product widely to cats without any ill side effects. While it won’t kill ear mites, this product can also be used topically for yeast, local ringworm or bacterial infections. One of the biggest advantages over its nearly identical sister product Otomax, is that Mometamax can be used only once daily, thus increasing client compliance. My two favorite topical ear medicines in our pets include Mometamax and Zymox. |
While Mometamax is a prescription topical antifungal and antibacterial, Zymox is a nonprescription topical which in my experience and opinion is as equally effective through a different mechanism in killing yeast and bacteria in the canine or feline ear canal. Side effects of Mometamax are rare, with the most serious being rare deafness in pets whose ear drum is not intact (this is best determined by veterinary exam of the ear canal before starting this medication), allergic reaction consisting of increased redness, discomfort and ear itching, and even more rare facial swelling.
When used appropriately this product can be used for most common ear infections in our pets, and its long shelf life of at least a year in most cases, makes it a valuable part of the medicine cabinet in those pets with recurrent ear inflammations or infections.
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3 Comments
I have a 11 year old Pekapoo and she is completely deaf after two applications of Mometamax. I specifically asked my Vet if there were any side affects with the drug and she did not tell me that deafness could occur. If I had known that, I would of asked for other options. I would never use this drug ever again and would not recommend it to anyone.
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
April 13th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
HI Micki. I am sorry to hear of your dog’s deafness after application of mometamax. Unfortunately this can rarely occur, and on even rarer occasions can be reversable. I would consult homeopathic vet at http://www.theAVH.org for list of vets in your state who can perhaps help you, as no conventional treatment options in case like this so homeopathy the way to go in my opinion.
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David Max, Ph.D. Reply:
August 18th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Homeopathy is pseudoscience and quackery. It is appalling that a DVM is recommending it.
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After reading you site, Your site is very useful for me .I bookmarked your site!
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
May 31st, 2010 at 11:34 pm
Thank you so much for your kind comment. Please share our blogs with all of your friends and family, as it is meant to provide animal guardians with useful information to make informed decisions when it comes to various health issues and products.
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I don’t know how “rare” this is but now that my own 12 yo lab mix has gone deaf after receiving Mometamax I am furious the vet gave no warning. Our dog went in for a yearly routine check, no hearing or ear complaints, and the doc said a fungus required this stuff.
Pretty easy to find complaints here on the internet. I guess we have to cross check teh vet meds.
FYI the dog has been on 25mg Proin for urinary incontinence for several years.
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
June 30th, 2010 at 12:36 am
Yes rare reactions to the gentacin in the mometamax can occur, as can occur with any medication. Even proin can rarely cause high blood pressure in dogs, and in humans the main ingredient phenylproponolamine was taken off market because of cardiovascular complications in people. Fortunately we have not seen that many problems with proin in pets.
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