horse health Flashcards
what is “normal” (Homeostasis)
a self regulating process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to changeing external conditions. ex: maintaining a reg. temp.
what is the integumentary system
skin plus specialized structures (hooves, hair, whiskers, subcutaneous muscles and fat)
what are the 3 major layers of skin
epidermis, dermis and subcutis
what is a sarcoid. how is it treated
-benign but locally aggressive tumor
-the most common
-watery look, resesmbles proud flesh
treatment: surgical removal or topical creams
what is mud fever. how is it treated
breaks in the skin leading to bacterial or fungal causing scaly patches, hair loss and inflammation on legs
treatment: clean with antibacterial soap, keep legs dry, ointments
what is rain rot. how is it treated
caused by opportunistic bacteria, enters through damaged skin causing crusty scabs or tufts that shed off and leave hairless patches.
treatment:change managment factors (blanket more often, more time in stall, more shelter) hygiene (groom and bath more) clean areas with anti bac soap
what are hives and how are they treated
round, raised bumps usually related to air-borne allergens, ingested allergens, vaccination or medication reactions.
treatment: steroids or antihistamines, oral powders or paste
what is equine papilloma virus and how is it treated
warts/lesions usually on the muzzle and lips and last approx. 60-100 days before horse builds natural immunity and warts disappear
treatment: usually not required
what is the cardiovascular system and its function
includes the heart and blood vessels
function: to distribute blood containing nutrients and oxygen to tissues of the body and to the lungs in exchange of gases and removes waste products via the blood and lymphatic
what are arteries
blood vessels that deliver oxygenated blood from the heart to the tissues and organs of the body
what are veins
blood vessels that deliver oxygenated blood from organs to the tissues back to the heart
what are heart sounds and how many bpm is normal
heart sounds are produced by contraction of muscle fibers in the heart pushing blood out and resulting in vibrations in the heart due to the circulation of blood
normal heart rate: 24-46bpm
what are heart murmurs
Sounds such as whooshing or swishing
• Heart murmurs can be harmless or effect performance
what are arrythmias
abnormalities of the rate, regularity, or site of heartbeat formation.
• Many arrhythmias have no effect on function, others can affect performance or be fatal
what is the respiratory system and its function
Highly specialized for exercise; even the
slightest change from normal can limit a horse’s performance.
Function: to deliver oxygen to the blood to supply tissues and organs with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
what is the normal respiratory rate
8-16 bpm
What signs would indicate
a horse was having
respiratory issues?
coughing, nasal disgarge, reluctance to work, respiratory difficulty
Most common respiratory diseases
Equine influenza (flu) is the most common viral respiratory disease in horses. It affects the upper and lower respiratory tract of horses
what is the gastrointestinal system
The gastrointestinal system is responsible for turning food into usable sources of energy and eliminating the waste products
what is included in the GI system
Oral cavity, Esophagus, Stomach, Small intestine, Large Intestine, Cecum, small and large colon, Rectum
what is hypomotile
decreased motolity in the horses GI tract
what is hypermotile
increased (too much) movement in the GI tract
what is the function of the urinary system
Functions: Gets rid of the waste products that are created
when food is transformed into energy and maintains the correct balance of water and electrolytes (salts) within the
body.
what is included in the urinary system
Kidneys
Ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder)
Bladder
Urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body).
