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What is it?
Choke is an impaction or obstruction of the esophagus, usually caused by
a lump of food. It is not a tracheal (windpipe) obstruction, which
impairs breathing. Your horse cannot swallow, but can breathe
normally.
Clinical signs:
Holding head and neck outstretched, food-stained saliva from mouth and
nostrils, retching or coughing, and nervousness or anxiety.
Important points
in treatment:
- Remove all feed and
water, and keep your horse in a stall free of bedding as he may try to
eat it. Any food or water ingested may slide into the windpipe,
causing aspiration pneumonia.
- Choke may resolve on
its own, but if signs persist for greater than 20 minutes, you should
call your veterinarian. Routine treatment by your veterinarian
includes sedation and passage of a tube into the esophagus. However,
impactions that do not resolve may require intravenous fluids and/or
hospitalization.
- The affected area of
the esophagus may erode, forming an ulcer that heals with some
constriction. Surgery could cause the same problem.
- Choke can recur. If
eating too fast is a contributing factor, put some large (6 inch)
stones in with the feed, and put hay in a tight hay net or bag. This
forces the horse to eat more slowly.
- After the choke has
resolved, keep your horse on soft feeds, such as a pellet slurry, for
5-7 days, and always provide plenty of water.
- Be sure to have your
horse’s teeth checked at least once a year to prevent dental problems
that can lead to choke.
Please call our office
if your horse refuses to eat or has difficulty swallowing after apparent
recovery, develops a rectal temperature of above 102° F, or if you have
other questions or concerns regarding choke.
This information is provided as an
educational tool and is not intended to replace veterinary care.
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