Free Practitioner’s Program Training Videos

Ophthalmology

Corneal Ulcer Management

Dr. Dennis Brooks explains the 7 steps to managing a corneal ulcer in a horse.

Understanding Atropine

Atropine is an important treatment for managing corneal ulcers and has 3 main functions which are listed in this video.

Reasons for an Ulcer Not Healing

In this video, Dr Dennis Brooks explains reasons why a superficial corneal ulcer may not be healing as well as alternative options.

Corneal Ulcers Development

In this short video, how certain corneal ulcers develop is explored and explained.

How Good Vets Become Great: 3 Habits to Sharpen Your Equine Practice

I’ve asked myself this question more times than I can count, especially in my early years of practice. Would I trust myself with my own horse? On a good day? Maybe.On a bad day? I’m…

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What to know about Debridement

Dr. Dennis Brooks shares his knowledge on debriding superficial corneal ulcers and essential tips on the procedure.

Blood Vessels: Unveiling the Secrets of Eye Health

A short video explaining how blood vessels and colours can reveal what’s happening in the eye.

Why Positioning of the Corneal Edema Matters

In this video, Dr. Dennis Brooks explains how to treat abrasion as well as why the positioning of a corneal edema is important. As this affects what caused this and treatment options.

How Great Clinics Are Built: 3 Habits of High-Performing Teams

Ever wondered what makes some equine clinics thrive while others plateau? These 3 clinic-wide habits can sharpen clinical standards, improve case outcomes, and boost team retention – fast.

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Core Principles of Equine Ophthalmology: Practical Guidance for Managing Corneal Disease

Equine ophthalmic conditions progress quickly, making timely diagnosis and well-structured therapy essential for preserving vision and preventing long-term complications. Corneal ulcers, in particular, require a disciplined clinical approach, as the horse’s inflammatory response and unique corneal biology can turn a small lesion into a severe, vision-threatening condition within days. The videos on this page outline the key principles that help veterinarians manage these cases confidently and effectively in the field.

  • A Systematic Approach to Corneal Ulcer Management
    Successful treatment begins with addressing the underlying causes of delayed healing. Thorough debridement, controlling infection, minimising stromal loss, reducing inflammation, and supporting corneal hydration and epithelial migration all play crucial roles. Understanding how each step interacts with healing dynamics helps clinicians tailor therapy to the specific ulcer type and severity.
  • The Role of Atropine and Understanding Its Mechanisms
    Atropine remains central to managing equine corneal pain, reducing ciliary muscle spasm, and stabilising the uveal tract. However, its prolonged action in horses requires careful monitoring to avoid complications such as ileus or excessive mydriasis. Knowing when to use atropine – and how to adjust dosage based on clinical progression – ensures maximal therapeutic benefit with minimal risk.
  • Why Some Ulcers Fail to Heal
    Delayed healing can result from infection, tear film deficiencies, corneal edema, epithelial downgrowth, foreign bodies, or inappropriate medication. Recognising patterns such as chronic epithelial defects, poor stromal adhesion, or melting tendencies allows vets to modify treatment promptly. Early identification of non-healing features is essential to prevent progression to deeper stromal involvement.
  • Understanding How Corneal Ulcers Develop
    Different ulcer types arise from distinct mechanisms including trauma, desiccation, microbial invasion, and immune-mediated processes. Appreciating these pathways improves diagnostic accuracy and helps clinicians predict which patients require more aggressive therapy or referral for advanced care.
  • Debridement: Technique and Clinical Value
    Removing loose or devitalised epithelium improves healing and enhances medication penetration. Proper debridement technique ensures that only nonviable tissue is removed while preserving healthy corneal structures. This step is foundational for managing superficial ulcers and preventing epithelial flap formation that can impede recovery.
  • Using Corneal Colour and Vascular Patterns as Diagnostic Clues
    Subtle changes in colour, opacity, vascularisation, and corneal texture often provide early clues about ulcer severity, infection, stromal involvement, or uveitis. Being able to interpret these visual indicators helps practitioners differentiate between simple and complicated ulcers and decide when additional diagnostics or interventions are warranted.
  • The Importance of Corneal Edema Positioning
    The location and character of corneal edema can reveal the underlying cause of injury or inflammation. Whether the edema is focal, diffuse, dorsal, or ventral offers diagnostic clues regarding stromal hydration, endothelial dysfunction, or secondary uveitis. Understanding these distinctions guides both prognosis and treatment selection.