The thought of our horse choking is alarming, especially if you have never witnessed it before. What does it mean for our horses to choke? What should you look for? And what should you do if you suspect your horse may be choking?
What does it mean for a horse to choke?
A horse choke is defined as an esophageal obstruction (a blockage in the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach). Unlike human medicine that defines a choke to involve an obstruction of the trachea (windpipe), horses are typically able to continue breathing during a choke.
What causes a horse to choke?
The most common cause of choking in horses is due to eating too quickly, and consuming improperly chewed concentrated feed, roughage, or chunky treats. Horses are also at risk of choking due to consuming nonfood objects along with being at a greater risk due to improper dental care, and other anatomical problems relating to the esophagus and teeth.
What are the signs that your horse may be choking?
- Nostril Discharge (including chunks of food, drool, and/or bile)
- Hypersalivation
- Coughing
- Retching
- Not eating
- Exhibiting signs of discomfort or distress (pawing, sweating, laying down excessively)
What should I do if I suspect my horse is choking?
Call your veterinarian immediately. Once you have made the phone call, and the vet is on their way it is best to remove your horse from any pasture turnout, and ensure that all consumable feed, hay, and water are removed from their stall or dry lot. Further ingestion of any food and water may add to the size and seriousness of the blockage causing further damage and distress. Keep your horse calm, and monitor their behaviour. Taking note and/or photographs of any further nasal discharge while waiting will help your veterinarian in their evaluations once they arrive.
What should I expect once the obstruction has been resolved?
Once your horse has been treated for the obstruction they will likely require further care and monitoring to ensure there are no further complications, such as aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when food, saliva, liquids, or vomit is breathed into the lungs or airways leading to the lungs, instead of being swallowed into the esophagus and stomach. Aspiration pneumonia can develop into a secondary bacterial infection which can be fatal. If a choke has occured many veterinarians will choose to place a horse on antibiotics as a precaution, and will ask that you continue to observe the horse for any spikes in temperature, coughing, nasal discharge, or increased respiration. In some cases your veterinarian may also prescribe an sucralfate (a medication to help treat ulceration of the esophagus), and/or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as flunixin meglumine (Banamine). If your horse is prescribed NSAIDs it is important to remember to check the horse’s temperature before administering them as they will often mask a fever.
Other things to consider once your horse has recovered:
As chokes are typically caused by inadequate chewing it is important to consider your feeding routines, and horse’s dental care. Working alongside your veterinarian you can determine if your horse is due for a dental float, and create a new feeding routine that could help prevent another choke in the future.