Equine Studies Physiology 1

Mnemonic for Skeletal System

Monsters Send People Packing

How many functions of skeletal system and name

4: movement, support, protection for organs and production of blood cells

Mnemonic for muscular sustem

Mum smokes joints

Functions of muscular system

3: movement, strength, joint support

Mnemonic for nervous system

Crucify, masochist, seven sins

Functions of nervous system

3: control of all functions, movement, sensation

Mnemonic for respiratory system

I Guess Right

Functions of respiratory system

Intake of oxygen, gas exchange, removal of carbon dioxide

Mnemonic for Cardiovascular and lymphatic systems

Order the theories that require reasoning

Functions of cardiovascular system

oxygenation of blood, transport of nutrients, transport of waste, thermoregulation, role of immunity, regulation of fluid

Laminitus: short term impacts

Pain, inflammation, lameness, joint stiffness

Laminitus: long term impacts

chronic lameness, hoof deformities, reduced performance, long term delibitating pain

Laminitus: Prognosis

With prompt treatment most horses can recover. Mild cases can recover fully, but very serious ones can end up fatal

Laminitus: Treatment/management options

pain relief, dietary changes, corrective shoeing, and anti-inflammatory medication as well as physical therapy and controlled exercise

Laminitus definition

Inflammation of the laminae (soft tissue connecting the hoof wall to the pedal bone)

Rupture: definition

A complete tear of a tendon or ligament

Rupture: short term impacts

Severe pain, lameness, swelling and heat in joint

Rupture: long term impacts

extended rehabilitation, persistant lameness, high risk of re-injury, reduced performance

Rupture: prognosis

Many horses can return to their previous level of activity but reinjury is extremely common

Rupture: treatment/management options

rest, anti-inflammatory medication, supportive care, possible surgery, extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation

Wobbler’s Syndrome: definition

malformed cercival vertebrae leading to compression of cervical spinal cord

Wobblers: short term impacts

incoordination, especially in the hind limbs resulting in stumbling and dragging toes; difficultly turning and backing, ‘wobbly’ gait, weakness

Wobblers: long term impacts

weight loss, weakness, difficulty rising and falling easily, stabilisation can take up to a year

Wobblers: prognosis

Recovery is variable, but with treatment most horses will improve - some may even return to activity depending on the severity of the condition and timing of intervention

Wobblers: treatment/mamagement options

Management options include dietary adjustments, medical intervention such as anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, surgery to alleviate spinal compression.

Roaring: definition

partial to complete paralysis of the larynx, interfering with the horses ability to fully open it during exercise

Roaring: short term impacts

exercise intolerance, loud noises while inhaling

Roaring: long term effects

exercise intolerance, those who have had surgery have slightly higher risk of aspiration of food and water

Roaring: prognosis

most horses who have had surgery will return to full work with little or no impact

Roaring: treatment/management options

‘tie back’ surgery where paralysed part of larynx is sutured open

Aorta rupture: definiton

Spontaneous tear or break of aorta near the heart

Aorta rupture: short term impacts

Sudden collapse, if death is not immediate then shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, colic-like symptoms

Aorta rupture: long term impacts

Death will either occur immediately or a little later as the horse will eventually develop heart failure and in the meantime there will be a signifiant reduction of performance

Aorta rupture: prognosis

Often fatal, either immediately or within a short period of time

Aorta rupture: treatment/management options

there is no cure: if the horse survives the only treatment is rest and supportive care to manage symptoms