Choking in horses is very different from the same term used in humans. In horses, choke is when food becomes lodged in the esophagus. In contrast to humans, the windpipe (trachea), is not blocked and horses usually can still breathe. Although it is not immediately life threatening as in humans, it can still be very scary for owners and potentially could lead to some life threatening conditions if not treated appropriately. Many times, horses that are choking will continue trying to eat and/or drink.
Clinical Signs Associated with Choke:
- Distress and pain
- Outstretched head and neck
- Continued attempts to swallow
- Frothy green discharge from the nose and/or mouth
- Signs of colic
- Coughing (may also have excessive salivation with the cough)
What to do if Your Horse is Choking:
- Remove all food and water
- Call the veterinarian
- Keep your horse calm
- Occasionally, horses can resolve uncomplicated chokes on their own if they are kept quiet and feed/water are withheld. However, it is always a good idea to contact your veterinarian for recommendations.
What NOT to do if Your Horse is Choking:
- DO NOT administer anything orally (banamine, mineral oil, etc.)
- If the obstruction is up high (near the mouth) you may be administering these medications directly into an unprotected trachea (windpipe)
- DO NOT try to relieve the obstruction with a hose
In a few very select cases, if the obstruction is large enough it may press on the trachea and prevent breathing. If your horse is having trouble breathing contact your veterinarian immediately as this is an emergency!!
When your Veterinarian Arrives:
- He/she will take a history including age, if the horse has choked before, how long the horse has been choking, and what feed they last had access to.
- A thorough physical examination including auscultation of the heart and lungs will be performed.
- Your veterinarian will likely sedate your horse and pass a nasogastric tube until the obstruction is met in the esophagus. They will then work with water to relieve the obstruction.
- If the obstruction is unable to be relieved, your veterinarian may recommend one of the following options:
- Keeping the horse quiet for several hours and trying again at a later time
- Referring the horse to a hospital facility for esophageal endoscopy
Sequelae to Choke:
If your horse has been choking for longer than 4 hours, the risk of sequelae is significantly increased. The following is a list of complications that can be associated with choke, no matter how long it has been occurring.
- Esophageal Ulceration or Stricture
- Esophageal Rupture
- The esophageal mucosa is extremely sensitive to damage/injury. Prolonged or repeated obstruction can lead to a narrowing of the esophageal lumen. Endoscopy or radiography is required to diagnose esophageal stricture or rupture.
- Aspiration Pneumonia
- It is imperative to monitor your horse for cough, abnormal respiratory rate or effort, or abnormal respiratory noises following a choke.
Prevention of Choke:
- Routine dental evaluations and floating
- Prevent “bolting” of feed material (eating too much material too quickly)
- Always allow feed materials, such as beet pulp, enough time to soak prior to feeding
- Ensure your horse thoroughly chews treats before swallowing or offer them in small enough bites that if swallowed whole will not cause an issue