Betafuse Gel for Dogs
Betafuse Gel is a prescription-only dermatological gel for dogs used to treat certain bacterial skin infections. It contains two active ingredients, betamethasone valerate and fusidic acid. Betamethasone valerate is a potent corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and itching. Fusidic acid is an antibiotic that targets susceptible bacteria on the skin. Each gram of gel contains 1mg of betamethasone (as betamethasone valerate) and 5mg of fusidic acid (as fusidic acid hemihydrate). Betafuse Gel is licensed for the treatment of acute surface pyoderma in dogs, including acute moist dermatitis (hot spots) and skin fold dermatitis (intertrigo).
Betafuse Gel is as a POM-V (prescription-only veterinary medicine). It can only be supplied against a valid veterinary prescription and should be used exactly as directed by your vet.
How Betafuse Gel works
Betafuse Gel works by combining anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions in a single topical product. Betamethasone valerate is a corticosteroid with strong anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the release of inflammatory substances in the skin, which helps to relieve redness, swelling and discomfort and limits further damage from scratching or licking.
Fusidic acid is an antibiotic that is active against many Gram-positive bacteria commonly associated with canine skin infections. It acts locally on the skin to inhibit the growth of susceptible bacteria. By controlling bacterial numbers at the surface of the skin, fusidic acid helps infection to resolve and supports healing.
The gel base allows Betafuse to be spread thinly over the affected skin. By acting where the infection and inflammation are present, the product is suited to localised areas of acute surface pyoderma.
Pyoderma in dogs
Pyoderma is the medical term for a bacterial infection of the skin. It may be limited to the outer layers of the skin or extend deeper into the hair follicles and underlying tissues.
Surface or superficial pyoderma affects the upper layers of the skin and often occurs in warm, moist areas, such as skin folds, the groin, armpits and the area under the ears. Acute moist dermatitis, also known as hot spots, and skin fold dermatitis are typical forms of superficial pyoderma.
Common signs of pyoderma in dogs include red, inflamed skin, small bumps or pustules, oozing or moist areas, crusts or scabs, hair loss and an unpleasant odour. Many dogs show discomfort by scratching, licking or chewing at the area.
Pyoderma usually develops when bacteria that normally live on the skin multiply more than usual because the skin’s defences have been weakened. Underlying factors can include allergies, parasites, hormonal disease, friction and moisture in skin folds or self-trauma from persistent scratching. If these causes are not identified and managed, pyoderma is likely to recur.
Betafuse Gel is indicated for acute surface pyoderma rather than deep or widespread pyoderma. Deep infections, or cases where lesions cover a large area, often require further investigation and systemic treatments prescribed and monitored by a vet.
When Betafuse Gel may be prescribed
A veterinary surgeon may prescribe Betafuse Gel when a dog has a clearly defined area of acute surface pyoderma that is suitable for topical treatment. This may include hot spots or inflamed, infected skin folds. Betafuse is intended for external use on the skin only.
Before prescribing, the vet will examine the dog to confirm the diagnosis and to make sure that a topical product containing a corticosteroid and an antibiotic is appropriate. Betafuse Gel should not be used in cases of deep pyoderma or where there are signs of more serious underlying skin disease. It is also not suitable for fungal, viral or parasitic skin infections. If the condition is severe, recurrent or unclear, the vet may recommend further tests.
Betafuse Gel should always be used as directed by a veterinary professional. The gel should be applied only to the areas of skin that the vet has identified and for the length of time prescribed. The course should not be changed or stopped early without veterinary advice.
Care should be taken to minimise licking of the treated area, especially immediately after application. A buster collar or other protective measure may be recommended. Contact with the dog’s eyes, mouth or inner ears should be avoided unless the vet has given specific instructions.
Owners should contact their vet if the skin worsens, if new areas of infection appear, or if the dog seems unwell during treatment. Dogs that suffer repeated episodes of pyoderma may need further investigation to identify underlying causes.
Betafuse Gel should be stored and handled in accordance with the instructions on the packaging. It should be kept out of the sight and reach of children and animals. The product should not be used after the expiry date shown on the pack. The cap should be replaced firmly after each use. Any unused or expired medication should be disposed of safely, following advice from a vet or pharmacist.
VETERINARY PRESCRIPTION REQUIRED
