1. Respiratory System

2. Objectives State the structures that make up the respiratory system
Describe the function of the respiratory system

3. Introduction
Works closely with the circulatory system in serving to supply the body with oxygen and rid the body of carbon dioxide
Provides an exchange of gases between the animal and the environment

4. Structures Begins at the nostrils or nares
Creates an airway and help trap dust and foreign particles within the upper airway to prevent entry into the lungs
Have the ability of raising the temperature of cold air before entering the lungs
Mouth also serves as an airway that leads to the respiratory system

5. Structures Continued
Pharynx or throat area is common passageway for air and food
Larynx lies within the throat and is cartilage that opens into the airway
Glottis opens into the larynx and has a covering called the epiglottis that prevents food from entering the airway and lungs during swallowing

6. Structures Continued
Trachea is the windpipe and is the airway that needs to be established during anesthesia
Made of cartilage and forms a tube that connects the pharynx to the lungs
Two branches that lead to each lung
Branches called bronchi
Bronchi are large passages connected to lungs through tiny tubes called bronchioles
Connect through tiny sacs of air called alveoli
Alveoli exchange oxygen ad carbon dioxide in the blood
These branches connect to the lungs

7. Structures Continued
Each lung surrounds the heart and inflates with air during breathing
Lungs are main organ of respiration
Lining of lungs called pleura which contains a fluid that allows the lungs to function and exchange oxygen
this allows the process of respiration to occur

8. Respiration Act of inhalation and exhalation creating breath
Inhalation is the act of inhaling or taking in air to the lungs with the nostrils and trachea opening
Rib muscles expand or relax and the diaphragm contracts
Thoracic cavity or chest cavity enlarges and air rushes in

9. Respiration Continued
Exhalation or to exhale is the act of air flowing out of the lungs
Relation of the trachea and nostrils occurs, causing the rib muscles to contract and the size of the thoracic cavity to decrease as air flows out

10. Respiration Continued
Respiration or breathing is controlled by the respiratory center of the brain by an involuntary action
Respiratory rate (RR) is controlled and affected by several factors including: excitement, body temperature, exercise and activity, fever or pain, and oxygen levels in the blood

11. Normal Respiratory Rates of Animals (breaths per minute)
Dog
16-20 br/min
Cat
22-26 br/min
Rabbit
30-60 br/min
Guinea Pig
br/min
Horse
12-15 br/min
Cow
30-35 br/min
Pig
Chicken
36-40 br/min
Sheep/Goat
20-22 br/min

12. Diseases and Conditions
Disorders are common and often results of bacterial or viral infections
Some may be result of trauma

13. Upper Respiratory Infection
URI
Signs include: sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, wheezing and difficulty breathing

14. Pneumonia Causes lungs to become inflamed
Two types: bacterial and viral
Advanced stages can develop into a pleural friction rub
Abnormal lung sound that develops
May cause crackling noise called crackles or rales which will sound like cellophane paper being folded

15. Asthma
Condition in which the lungs have difficulty taking in enough oxygen
Can lead to condition where lack of oxygen can cause animal’s mucous membranes to turn blue called cyanosis
During attack sounds of wheezing can be heard
Medications known as bronchodilators

16. Kennel Cough (Bordetella)
AKA Tracheobronchitis
Causes severe an chronic cough mostly in dogs
Some dogs will also develop nasal and coughing discharge
Vaccination is typically a nasal spray

17. Shipping Fever Condition that occurs in livestock that are transported
Causes respiratory infection that affects the lungs and chest cavity, causing a severe problem that can be fatal
Shipping can be stressful and can cause overheating where bacteria commonly grow and poor sanitation within a trailer can cause disease to spread rapidly
Antibiotics and proper sanitation are key
Signs include: fever, nasal discharge, and coughing
Vaccine can be given to cattle 3-4 week prior to shipping
Proper trailer ventilation and sanitation are best methods to prevent the disease

18. Diaphragmatic Hernia Caused by severe trauma (hit by a car)
Affects the diaphragm by causing a tear in the chest muscle that internal organs may protrude through
Causes inability of the lungs to expand properly and labored and difficult breathing to occur
Surgical correction is necessary

19. Heaves Horses are affected Caused by allergy (usually dust)
Common term for COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Lifelong condition that can be controlled by antihistamines and steroids
Horses may need to be housed outside and may need hay source watered down to reduce dust spores
Horses tire easily, have labored or difficulty breathing and exhibit nasal discharge, coughing and wheezing

20. Roaring
Hoses
Causes a sound (like a roar) due to the larynx only opening a small amount due to a trauma on the nerves of the throat area
May be controlled with activity limitations and medications
Severe trauma and breathing problems may be corrected surgically