Ototoxicity assessment of a gentamicin sulfate otic preparation in dogs
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1995
Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract
Vestibulotoxic and ototoxic effects often are seen after long-term, high-dose systemic treatment with gentamicin, but toxic effects after topical use have not been reported in animals, to the authors' knowledge. Vestibular and auditory effects of twice daily otic gentamicin treatment for 21 days were evaluated in 10 dogs with intact tympanic membranes and in the same 10 dogs after experimental bilateral myringotomy. Each dog served as its own control; 7 drops of gentamicin sulfate (3 mg/ml in a buffered aqueous vehicle) were placed in 1 ear, and 7 drops of vehicle were placed in the opposite ear. Treatment and control ears were reversed after myringotomy. Vestibular function was evaluated daily by neurologic examination and behavioral assessment. Auditory function was evaluated twice weekly by determination of brain stem auditory evoked potentials. Gentamicin sulfate placed in the ear of clinically normal dogs with intact or ruptured tympanic membranes, in the quantities used in this study, did not induce detectable alteration of cochlear or vestibular function. Serum gentamicin concentration after 21 days of treatment was detectable in only 2 dogs and was an order of magnitude below documented toxic concentrations.
First Page
532
Last Page
538
Publication Title
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Recommended Citation
Strain, G. M., Merchant, S. R., Neer, T. M., and Tedford, B. L. (1995). Ototoxicity assessment of a gentamicin sulfate otic preparation in dogs. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 56(4): 532-538.
Comments
At the time of publication, Bruce L. Tedford was affiliated with Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine.