Equine PHYSIOLOGY 2

Reception of food

Lips and teeth bring food into mouth.

Digestion of food

Food breakdown occurs in stomach and intestines.

Uptake of nutrients

Nutrients absorbed into bloodstream post-digestion.

Expulsion of waste

Unabsorbed material exits through rectum as manure.

Homeostasis

Maintains body fluids' pH and chemical composition.

Regulation of blood volume

Water from digestion affects blood volume and pressure.

Choke

Food lodged in the oesophagus causing distress.

Short term impacts of choke

Horse stops eating, swallows repeatedly, produces saliva.

Long term impacts of choke

Possible oesophagus damage and pneumonia risk.

Prognosis of choke

Generally resolves quickly but may lead to pneumonia.

Treatment for choke

Gentle massage or vet assistance may be needed.

Maintenance of blood concentration

Kidneys filter and balance blood levels of substances.

Maintenance of homeostasis (urinary)

Kidneys ensure correct blood pH levels.

Regulation of blood pressure (urinary)

Osmosis balances water levels in blood.

Removal of waste (urinary)

Filtrates expelled through urethra after blood filtration.

Uroliths

Kidney or bladder stones, often calcium carbonate.

Short term impacts of uroliths

Causes discomfort and colic-like behaviors in horses.

Long term impacts of uroliths

Risk of ruptured bladder if untreated.

Prognosis of uroliths

Prompt treatment leads to full recovery.

Treatment for uroliths

Surgery is typically required for removal.

Gamete production (male)

Sperm produced in the testes.

Hormone production (male)

Hormones stimulate sperm maturation and mating behavior.

Cryptorchidism

Condition with only one descended testicle.

Short term impacts of cryptorchidism

Reduced fertility and hormone production issues.

Long term impacts of cryptorchidism

Decreased fertility and increased cancer risk.

Prognosis of cryptorchidism

Generally healthy but may become sterile.

Treatment for cryptorchidism

Surgery to remove undescended testicle recommended.

Gamete production (female)

Eggs produced in ovaries for fertilization.

Hormone production (female)

Hormones control oestrus cycle and egg release.

Incubation and development of foetus

Embryo develops inside uterus post-fertilization.

Birth of the foal

Includes pre-labour, foaling, and placenta expulsion.

Prolapse

Uterine tissue protrudes from vulva.

Short term impacts of prolapse

Severe shock, bleeding, and infection risk.

Long term impacts of prolapse

Uterine damage may affect future fertility.

Prognosis of prolapse

Serious condition; 75% survival rate with reduced fertility.

Treatment for prolapse

Immediate vet care and uterine management required.