What is it?
As with all
animals (and humans) this is when the
oesophagus becomes obstructed by food or a foreign body. The oesophagus is the tube which takes the
food from the mouth to the stomach.
Signs
- Horse is distressed and may panic initially
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughs
- Salivates
- Paws the ground
- Bending and stretching the neck
- Grunts
- Food and saliva may be regurgitated through the nostrils
- Horse refuses to eat
- May be a visible lump on the left side of the neck
- Horse will become depressed and dehydrated if left untreated
- In serious cases the oesophagus can rupture causing shock, infection and death (this is uncommon)
Causes
Horses that
'bolt' their food, which means they eat too fast and don't chew it properly are
more susceptible to choke. If food is
too dry or too course (often hay) or swells rapidly once chewed (sugarbeet - if
not soaked properly) then its journey down the oesophagus will be slowed or may
stop altogether! If a horse is in a
condition which will affect its ability to swallow then this can make choke
more likely. This can happen if a horse
is recovering from being sedated or has suffered an injury to the neck or
oesophagus but can also be more likely if the horse has botulism
or grass sickness. Horses with teeth
abnormalities can also be more likely to have this problem. Foreign objects such as pieces of wood, wire
or nails can also become lodged in the oesophagus if eaten.
Diagnosis
The blockage
will often clear on its own but if not then it is important to call the vet as the
risk of complications will increase with time. You
may be able to feel or see the blockage in the side of the oesophagus.
The vet may
pass a stomach tube via the nostril to confirm that there is a blockage and
where it is. This will also help to
identify if it is solid and/or can be gently 'encouraged' to continue its
journey.
Treatment
As mentioned earlier often the obstruction
will clear on its own because of the saliva produced thus lubricating the
food. However, if the horse continues to
choke call the vet. Do not allow the
horse to drink because the water may go into the lungs instead - causing
pneumonia. There is also a risk that the
horse will inhale the food and saliva whilst choking, this will also cause pneumonia. Keep him quiet with no food and ideally his
head low to help the saliva to drain. If
you can feel the lump on the left side of the neck a gentle massage may help
shift the blockage.
Often sedative injections given by the vet
will help the horse to relax and is all that is needed. In
some choke situations the horse can be sedated and the oesophagus flushed - this
will help soften and hopefully will move the blockage - but this MUST be done
carefully to ensure the water does not enter the lungs!
An intravenous drip may be needed if the
horse has become dehydrated. In severe situations a general anaesthetic
will be given to allow for surgical removal of the blockage.
Once the obstruction has been cleared the
horse should only be fed sloppy food or grass for several days whilst the
swelling goes down.
Prevention
Make sure
your horse's teeth are checked at least annually by a qualified Equine Dental
Technician. If there are dental
abnormalities they are likely to need more frequent checks. Sharp edges to the teeth can stop a horse
chewing properly. Ensure water is always
available so that horses can drink normally when they want. Feeding hay in a small holed haynet will help
to slow a greedy horse and add water to hard feed to soften it. Many people suggest adding large stones to
bucket feeds so that the horse has to sort around them and cannot take large
mouthfuls! If food eg: sugarbeet is
supposed to be soaked then ensure that you do for the required time. Make sure apples and carrots are cut up
longways and not into rings - as these are more difficult to chew.
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Until next time!
Jo
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