Choke – What it is and how to deal with it

Choke is an obstruction of impacted food material in the oesophagus; it is a frequent equine first aid problem and can be alarming when first seen. Choke can result from poorly soaked sugar beet, inappropriate sizing of carrot or apple being offered, as well as dry and short feeds. Greedy horses and those with poor dentition are more susceptible to choke and may experience repeated episodes. This can then lead to oesophageal dysfunction and strictures which results in the horse having difficulty with eating (dysphagia).

When horses choke they often arch their necks, retch and cough, they can stamp their feet and saliva and food material quickly appears at the mouth and nostrils in addition to repeated swallowing movements.

It is important to establish for the vet the duration of choking, and what and how much has been eaten.

What you can do: Remove all food and water immediately and keep yourself and the patient calm. Massage the left side of the neck along the line of the oesophagus, from the lower jaw to down between the chest, this may prove beneficial at dislodging the blockage.  Call the vet for over the phone support and advice or they may need to come out to pass a tube with some fluids to help dislodge the obstruction.

On reflection afterwards take all necessary steps to avoid choke happening again, follow the golden rules of feeding most importantly to dampen all feeds and for those greedy eaters try to slow their meal time down by adding large stones or objects in their feed bowl so they have to move things around to get to their food.

Please just call the practice on 01442 851921 if you have any concerns or questions, we are always happy to help.