If your horse is choking, it’s an emergency that requires immediate attention. But what does it mean when a horse chokes?
Equine choke is an obstruction of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It is surprisingly common, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.
It’s important to note that “choke” in horses isn’t the same as choking in humans. Horses with choke can still breathe. Rather, they are unable to swallow food. In this article, we’ll cover the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and potential complications of choke in horses.
Understanding equine choke
Choke in horses can be scary, but it’s important to understand exactly what’s happening.
What is choke, exactly?
When we talk about “choke” in horses, we’re talking about an obstruction in the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food and water from the mouth to the stomach, so if there’s a blockage there, food and water can’t get through.
It’s easy to confuse choke with a respiratory problem, but it’s not related to the trachea or lungs. The problem is in the esophagus, not the airway.
Types of choke
There are two main types of choke:
- Primary choke is caused by something getting stuck in the esophagus, usually food or a foreign object.
- Secondary choke is caused by an underlying problem with the esophagus itself, like a disease or abnormality.
What causes choke in horses?
Choke in horses is usually caused by something blocking the esophagus. Several factors can contribute to this:
- Eating too fast: Horses that bolt their food, especially dry food or food with large particles, are at risk. They may not chew properly if they’re eating too quickly.
- Dental problems: Horses with poor teeth may not be able to grind their food well enough. Sharp points, missing teeth, and other dental issues can increase the risk of choke.
- Dry feed: Dry feed that hasn’t been soaked properly can be difficult for horses to swallow. Some types of feed may be more likely to cause choke than others.
- Foreign objects: Occasionally, a foreign object can get stuck in the esophagus and cause a blockage.
- Esophageal diseases: Certain diseases of the esophagus, such as megaesophagus (an enlarged esophagus), can increase the risk of choke.
- Breed Predisposition: Friesians and American Miniature Horses are more likely to experience choke.
What are the signs of choke in horses?
If you suspect your horse has choke, look for these common signs:
- Trouble swallowing
- Lots of drool
- Discharge from the nose, sometimes with bits of food
- Coughing or gagging
Your horse may also:
- Seem restless or anxious
- Hold its head and neck out straight
- Show no interest in food or water
- Sweat more than usual
How is choke diagnosed?
If your vet suspects your horse has choke, they’ll perform a physical exam, looking for the telltale clinical signs and feeling the esophagus for any blockages.
They’ll probably try to pass a nasogastric tube down the horse’s esophagus. If they meet resistance, that’s a good indication of an obstruction.
In some cases, the vet might recommend more in-depth diagnostics, such as:
- Endoscopy, where a small camera is used to see inside the esophagus.
- Radiography (X-rays) to look for foreign objects or other problems.
How is choke treated in horses?
If you think your horse has choke, you’ll need to take action quickly.
- First, remove all food and water from the horse’s reach.
- Try to keep the horse as calm as possible. Stress can make the condition worse.
- Call your veterinarian immediately. Choke is an emergency.
When your vet arrives, they will likely take the following steps:
- Sedate the horse. This helps the horse relax, and it also relaxes the esophagus.
- Perform an esophageal lavage. This means flushing the esophagus with water to try to dislodge whatever is causing the obstruction.
- Administer medications, such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories, to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Surgery is rarely needed. But in a few severe cases, the vet may need to perform an esophagostomy to create a surgical opening into the esophagus.
What are the complications of choke?
Choke can lead to several complications in horses, some of which can be serious.
- Aspiration Pneumonia: If food material gets into the lungs, it can cause aspiration pneumonia. This can be life-threatening, and your horse may need antibiotics. Horses that are breathing quickly or have a lot of food material in their trachea are at higher risk.
- Esophageal Trauma: The pressure from the blockage can injure the esophagus. Repeated episodes of choke can also lead to scarring and narrowing of the esophagus.
- Dehydration: Because the horse can’t swallow, they can become dehydrated. Sometimes, they need intravenous fluids.
How to prevent choke in horses
The best way to deal with choke is to prevent it in the first place. You can reduce your horse’s risk of choke by:
- Practicing good feeding management: Soak dry feeds before you give them to your horse. Also, consider using slow feeders, hay nets, or even placing rocks in your horse’s feed to slow down fast eaters. Feeding smaller meals more often can help too.
- Making sure your horse always has water: Easy access to fresh, clean water is essential.
- Getting regular vet checkups: Your vet should regularly examine your horse’s mouth.
- Talking to an equine nutritionist: If your horse has had choke before, a nutritionist can help you make a diet plan that reduces the risk of it happening again.
Putting It All Together
Equine choke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Recognizing the signs of choke early and managing the problem appropriately are key to a positive outcome for your horse.
Prevention is paramount. Taking steps to reduce your horse’s risk of choke can save you—and your horse—a lot of stress.
If you suspect your horse is choking, contact your veterinarian immediately for expert diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention is essential for a successful recovery.