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Common Horse Illnesses: Choke
05/26/2008
A very common horse ailment is choke. Choke is exactly what it sounds like: a horse’s esophagus becomes blocked. Generally this is blocked by food material, and the horse is still able to breathe, however is unable to swallow properly.
A very common horse ailment is choke. Choke is exactly what it sounds like: a horse’s esophagus becomes blocked. Generally this is blocked by food material, and the horse is still able to breathe, however is unable to swallow properly. This can lead to severe dehydration. It is one of the most common emergency conditions cited by equine veterinarians.
Causes
Choke can result from improper chewing. So if your horse’s teeth are wearing down improperly, or your horse suffers from other dental problems, the risk factor of choke is very high. Another source of caution is inadequate water supply. When dry food is consumed, it can cause choke is not washed down with fresh, clean water. Horses that have a habit of cribbing (chewing and gnawing on wood and other materials) are particularly at risk as well. Foreign objects getting lodged in the esophagus can cause choke.
Symptoms
Possible symptoms can include: disinterest in eating, swallowing difficulty, nasal discharge, increased salivation and drooling, coughing, and possibly detection of a lump in the neck where the blockage is located.
Diagnosis
A veterinarian generally attempts to insert a stomach tube through the esophagus to determine the severity of the blockage. If the veterinarian cannot access the stomach with the tube, a complete blockage can be assumed.
Treatment
Immediate veterinary attention is necessary, so if you suspect your horse is suffering from choke, remove him from all food and water access and call a veterinarian at once. The veterinarian will sedate the horse and administer drugs to relax the esophagus. This may allow the blockage to pass on its own. If this does not work, a stomach tube can then be inserted and the veterinarian may gently attempt to manually push the blockage through. Warm water may be sent through the tube to soften the blockage and aid its passing. If none of these attempts work, then surgery may be necessary to remove the blockage. After choke is treated, a horse will oftentimes be put on a soft diet for a few days while the inflammation of the esophagus calms down.
Prevention
To avoid your horse suffering from choke, make sure water is always available for the horse to drink, and try to prevent the fast eating of food – feed smaller meals more often, and try to discourage rapid consumption. If necessary, cut up large pieces of food and soak dry food for easier consumption.
