Choke in Horses
By Chauncey Smith, DVM, Cleveland Equine Clinic
Most chokes are not life threatening. Always withhold feed following sedation. Do not feed a hot horse. Please call a veterinarian if you suspect your horse is choking.
If you suspect your horse is choking, please remove food and water from the stall. Maintain a quiet environment where the horse can relax. You should contact your veterinarian. Common veterinary treatments for choke include administration of sedatives and relaxants. A nasogastric tube is often passed for manual treatment of the choke. In severe cases, the veterinarian may elect to pass an endoscope to aid in removal of the obstructive material and to assess the esophageal damage. Some horses can chronically choke (choke multiple times). An endoscopic examination may help to determine the cause.
Severity and longevity of the obstruction can be associated with future complications. Aspiration pneumonia can occur if the material is inhaled in the airway. An esophageal stricture can form due to tissue damage at the site of the obstruction. The stricture can cause clinical signs days to weeks following the initial incident.
Esophageal obstruction is often seen after feeding. A horse with choke can have saliva and food material present in the mouth and nostrils. That material can instigate a cough if it passes into the trachea. Rigidity of the neck in an extended position is another common finding. Most choke patients are disinterested in food and water.
Choke is the horsemen’s term for an esophageal obstruction. It is the most common disorder of the equine esophagus. As the horse ages, poor dentition and decreased saliva production can cause incomplete mastication of feed and cause choke. Regardless of age, a horse who has recently been exercised or sedated can be at risk.
