Free Practitioner’s Program Training Videos

REPRODUCTION

Assessing the Uterus via palpation

Assessing the uterus is an essential part of a reproductive exam on a mare, so it’s important to understand what anatomy you should be feeling and the reasons why.

The Importance of a Thorough Transrectal Ultrasound Exam in Horses

Dr. Sarah Eaton explains her refined technique for performing a thorough transrectal ultrasound exam of the reproductive organs in horses to ensure appropriate outcomes of non-pregnant, pregnant and twin pregnancies.

Early Detection of Pregnancy and Uterus Evaluation in Horses

Get a practical look at early pregnancies when evaluating the uterus in horses.

The Importance of Safety

Safety can be easily overlooked but its importance must be considered in every procedure. Learn how Dr. Sarah Eaton communicates to her clients to ensure everyone’s safety is assured, including the use of sedation.

Techniques to palpating the horse’s reproductive tract

Understanding what structures you can feel when palpating a horse’s reproductive tract is important to get an accurate report. In this video, Dr. Sarah Eaton explains her technique as well as common techniques used by other veterinarians.

How to set up your field equipment

In this video, Dr. Sarah Eaton explains her preferred method of setting up her field equipment as well as recommended equipment.

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 look for when assessing a uterus through ultrasound – Part I

In this video, Dr. Sarah Eaton explains what to look for when assessing the uterus with use of a transrectal ultrasound. Including what an edema looks like as well as the impacts of the estrus cycle phases.

What to look for when assessing a uterus through ultrasound – Part II

In this video, Dr. Sarah Eaton explains what to look for when assessing the uterus with use of a transrectal ultrasound. Including what an edema looks like as well as the impacts of the estrus cycle phases.

Misdiagnosed Mare Pregnancies: Our Honest Vet Stories

Mistakes happen, we can only try our best to prevent them through proper technique and knowledge. Dr. Sarah Eaton explains some common misdiagnosed mare pregnancies and her experience on the matter.

Assessing Perineal Conformation and Vulvar Seal Health in a Horse

In this video, Dr. Sarah Eaton explains how to assess a horse’s perineal conformation and vulvar seal as when a Caslick’s procedure is appropriate.

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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Foundations of Equine Reproductive Assessment: Practical Guidance for Field Vets

Accurate reproductive assessment in the mare relies on a combination of palpation skill, ultrasound interpretation, good preparation and safe, consistent technique. Each component plays a critical role in determining fertility status, early pregnancy, cycle staging and identifying pathology. This collection of videos highlights the essential principles that underpin reliable reproductive work in the field.

  • Systematic Palpation of the Uterus and Tract
    A thorough reproductive exam begins with structured palpation. Understanding normal anatomy, tone, wall thickness and the feel of the cervix and ovaries allows clinicians to recognise deviations that signal early pregnancy, uterine edema, fluid accumulation or cycle phase. Consistency is key – the more systematic the approach, the more repeatable and accurate the findings.
  • Transrectal Ultrasound: Building Confidence Through Pattern Recognition
    Ultrasound remains the gold standard for reproductive evaluation, particularly in the first 45 days of pregnancy. Recognising the appearance of follicles, corpora lutea, uterine edema patterns, early embryonic vesicles and the changes associated with twins requires attention to detail. Subtle variations in echogenicity and fluid interfaces can give the earliest clues of pregnancy success or failure. Over time, developing strong pattern recognition is what allows good repro vets to spot abnormalities that others may miss.
  • Early Pregnancy Detection and Common Pitfalls
    While early confirmation is essential for breeding management, it is also a stage where errors are most likely. Misdiagnosed twin pregnancies, overlooked fluid accumulation, or misinterpreting normal variation can all lead to unintended outcomes. Reviewing real cases and recognising the subtle differences between normal early development and problematic patterns helps reduce the risk of misdiagnosis.
  • Safety for Vet, Handler and Mare
    Reproductive work carries unique safety risks. A safe environment – appropriate restraint, clear communication with handlers and correct positioning — protects both the practitioner and the horse. Sedation, hygiene and proper equipment preparation reduce complications and create a more controlled setting for both palpation and ultrasound.
  • Equipment Preparation and Field Efficiency
    Having the right equipment ready and organised before beginning an exam supports both accuracy and efficiency. Simple steps such as arranging your ultrasound settings, preparing lubricant, and keeping protective wear accessible streamline the workflow. This not only improves the quality of your assessment but also enhances client confidence in the process.
  • Interpreting Uterine Health
    Whether assessing edema patterns during estrus, identifying fluid retention, or evaluating the postpartum uterus, understanding what is normal for each stage is essential. Subtle changes in tone, echotexture or fluid distribution often provide the earliest indicators of infection, delayed involution or poor reproductive efficiency.
  • Perineal Conformation and Vulvar Seal Assessment
    External reproductive conformation plays a major role in fertility. Poor vulvar seal, sunken perineum or abnormal angulation increase contamination risk and reduce pregnancy success. Correct diagnosis ensures timely intervention – whether that involves Caslick’s surgery or ongoing management strategies.