Genitourinary System and Associated Diseases Summary

Genitourinary System Overview

• The Genitourinary System, also known as the Urinary System, includes:

  • Kidneys

  • Ureters

  • Bladder

  • Urethra

• Structural differences are noted between male and female horses regarding the urinary system.

Kidney Structure and Function

• A nephron, the functional unit of the kidney, has three main parts:

  • Renal corpuscle

  • Renal tubule

  • Associated capillary network

Functions of the Kidneys

• Excretion of Urea: Eliminates waste from metabolism.

• Water Balance: Regulates fluid levels within the body.

• Salt Ion Concentration Control:

  • Adjusts sodium ($Na^+$), potassium ($K^+$), chloride ($Cl^-$) levels by altering excretion or retention.

• Acidity Maintenance: Helps maintain blood pH levels.

Major Structures of the Reproductive System

In Males

• Testes

• Sperm Ducts

• Urethra

• Penis

In Females

• Ovaries

• Fallopian Tubes (Oviducts)

• Uterus

• Vagina

Unique Reproductive Structures

• Non-mammal vertebrates (birds, reptiles) have a cloaca, serving digestive, excretory, and reproductive functions.

• Mammals possess distinct reproductive openings; placental mammals also have a uterus for nurturing developing young.

• Some invertebrates have a spermatheca, a sac that stores sperm for future use.

Female Reproductive Terminology

• Anestrus: Period of sexual inactivity between breeding cycles.

• Abortion: Premature expulsion of a fetus, usually due to infection.

• Retained Placenta: Failure to deliver placenta within 30 minutes post-birth.

• Sterility: Inability to conceive.

• Nymphomania: Excessive sexual behavior due to conditions like ovarian tumors.

• Imperforate Hymen: Membranous obstruction in the vagina.

• Metritis: Uterine lining inflammation.

• Pyometra: Uterus infection with pus accumulation.

• Vaginitis: Inflammation of the vaginal lining.

• Dystocia: Difficult labor due to various causes.

• Mastitis: Breast infection.

• Agalatia: Lack of milk secretion.

Male Reproductive Disturbances

• Sterility: Inability to induce conception.

• Lack of Libido: Unwillingness to copulate.

• Hypoplasia of Testicle: Testes fail to reach normal size.

• Epididymitis: Inflammation of epididymis.

• Orchitis: Testicular inflammation, possibly from infections.

• Cryptochidism: Undescended testes.

• Scrotal Hernia: Inguinal hernia in the scrotum.

• Ulceration of Prepuce: Foreskin irritation.

• Occlusion of Prepuce: Inflammation of foreskin opening.

• Hematoma of Penis: Trauma during mating, causing swelling and breeding issues.

Brucellosis

• Caused by Brucella bacteria, affecting various livestock.

• Signs: Abortion, retained placenta, orchitis, arthritis, mastitis, skin lesions.

• Control: Includes surveillance, transmission prevention, and managing infection reservoirs.

Infection Sources

• Found in high concentrations in the uterus of pregnant animals.

• Can spread through ingestion of contaminated feed/water and raw milk products.

Leptospirosis

• Caused by Leptospira bacteria, a zoonotic disease affecting various mammals.

• Symptoms vary widely; in cattle, pigs, and horses it can lead to abortion and uveitis.

• Commonly found in soil and water; treatment includes antibiotics and supportive care.

Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis (BGC)

• A reproductive disease in cattle caused by Campylobacter fetus.

• Transmission occurs venereally and through contaminated instruments.

• Clinical signs include mucopurulent endometritis, early embryonic death, and irregular estrous cycles.

• Diagnosis confirmed by bacteria isolation; vaccination advised for cows and bulls.

Bovine Trichomaniasis (Trich)

• Caused by the protozoan Trichomonas foetus; a venereal disease in cattle.

• Lacks obvious symptoms until reproductive issues arise, mainly increased infertility and late calving.

• Self-limiting in cows, but often permanent in bulls; diagnosis involves culture of the protozoan, with control through culling infected bulls and vaccination.