About choke
Choke is a condition where the oesophagus of the horse becomes blocked by food or a foreign object and the horse is unable to swallow. It can be caused by the horse eating food that is too dry or coarse, food that swells rapidly when wet (eg sugar beet) or odd shaped items of food such as carrots and apples. If unnoticed the horse may become dehydrated through not being able to swallow water and in rare cases if the oesophagus ruptures, death can result.
Symptoms of choke
The symptoms of choke are difficulty in swallowing, extending the head and neck, feed emerging from the nostrils and mouth and a drooling of saliva. Some horses may cough as though trying to clear something from the back of their throat and may also panic.
Treatment of choke
In many cases the saliva produced in the mouth lubricates the oesophagus allowing the offending obstruction to be swallowed. However if this is not the case a vet should be called who may administer a sedative and spasmolytic injection to help relax the oesophagus or flush the obstruction down via a stomach tube.
Prevention of choke
In order to prevent choke ensure that all food that requires soaking before eating is soaked for sufficient time to allow for swelling before feeding and have the horse's teeth regularly checked to ensure the horse can chew food thoroughly before swallowing. Ensure that the horse has permanent access to water.
