Buying Surolan for dogs without a prescription?

Surolan is a combination preparation against external ear infections (otitis externa) and certain skin infections in dogs. Three active ingredients work together:

• Miconazole – works against yeasts such as Malassezia
• Polymyxin B – combats bacteria
• Prednisolone – reduces inflammation (a corticosteroid)

In Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, Surolan is prescription-only. Without a veterinary prescription, purchase is neither legal nor medically justifiable.

Why Surolan should not be used on your own initiative

1. “Ear inflammation” is not a finding, but a symptom

When a dog shakes its head, scratches, or rubs its ear, it is not always the same cause behind it. Possible causes:

• bacterial infection
• yeast infestation (Malassezia)
• mites
• foreign body
• allergic reaction
• eardrum injury

Without otoscopy, one cannot say what is really going on: Is the eardrum still intact? Does the inflammation extend deeper? Using a combination preparation on suspicion can significantly worsen, not improve, the situation.

Those who simply dig out the last remaining bottle for recurring ear problems risk treating past the actual cause, which may have changed by the next occurrence.

2. Cortisone works quickly, but not without risk

The prednisolone it contains quickly suppresses inflammation and itching. That sounds practical at first. However, cortisone can also mask symptoms, slow down healing if indicated incorrectly, and trigger genuine side effects if used for too long or improperly.

If you have an ear problem that keeps coming back, you don’t need quick suppression; you need to identify the cause. Often, an allergy is behind it, and you don’t treat that with ear drops.

3. When and how long determines success or failure

Treated for too short a time: relapse is programmed. Treated for too long: resistance or skin changes in the ear canal.

How often it should be applied, how long the course should last, and whether a follow-up examination is necessary are determined by the vet, not the package insert.

Legal situation in CH / DE / AT

Surolan falls under the respective veterinary medicinal law:

• Switzerland: Therapeutic Products Act (HMG)
• Germany: Veterinary Medicines Act (TAMG) in conjunction with Regulation (EU) 2019/6
• Austria: Veterinary medicinal law

Online platforms that offer Surolan without checking for a prescription are operating outside the law. Buyers also face the risk of counterfeit or improperly stored products.

How to get Surolan safely

1. Veterinary examination (including otoscopy)
2. Diagnosis and prescription or direct dispensing by the practice
3. Follow-up appointment if necessary

For a dog whose ears keep having problems, a proper treatment plan with a cleaning protocol, cause analysis, and a strategy that is more than “just the same drops again” is worthwhile.

What you should better leave alone

• using old leftovers from the cupboard again
• using ear medications on a whim
• taking preparations that were originally intended for another animal
• using online offers where no prescription check takes place

Ears need precise diagnoses

Surolan helps if it is the right choice for the current situation. Without veterinary assessment, you risk incorrect treatment, resistance development, and ultimately a problem that creeps in and becomes entrenched.

Note:

This text does not replace veterinary advice. If your dog shakes its head, reacts painfully to being touched, has foul-smelling discharge, or loses its balance, go to the vet immediately.