Mid-Rivers Equine Centre had the honor of a visit by Dr. Dennis Brooks, DVM, PhD, DACVO to perform surgeries for some of our equine eye patients. We were pleased to host Dr. Brooks and learn from him to bring advancements in equine medicine to our patients.
About Dr. Dennis Brooks
Dr. Dennis Brooks is one of the foremost experts in equine ophthalmology. His career includes:
- Ophthalmology Service Chief for the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Florida.
- A PhD in glaucoma from the University of Florida.
- A diplomate of and board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (DACVO).
- Author of “Ophthalmology for the Equine Practitioner”.
Dr. Brooks’ area of research includes:
- Corneal transplantation in horses
- Complex equine eye problems
- Glaucoma in all animals
Dr. Brooks is also highly regarded for cataract, corneal transplantation, and amnion grafting surgeries and has dedicated his life’s work to equine ophthalmology. He built one of the largest equine ophthalmology caseloads in the world at the University of Florida and has trained some of the top equine ophthalmologists in the United States.
Visiting Mid-Rivers Equine Centre
During his visit, Dr. Dennis Brooks performed two cyclosporine A implant surgeries, which are placed in the eye to treat uveitis, a type of eye inflammation that affects the eye’s middle layer of tissue. The benefit of this surgery is that the implants slowly release anti-inflammatory medications into the eye over a long period of time to eliminate the need for clients to regularly administer the medication themselves. It also ensures that the correct amount of medication is being delivered for optimal therapeutic value.
Dr. Tim Ellis assisted in both surgeries, as he has a special interest in equine ophthalmology. As an experienced surgeon himself, Dr. Ellis took the opportunity to learn Dr. Brooks’ technique to advance the care he is able to give our equine eye patients in the future.