Jeske Noordergraaf, VMD

Horses choke.  Although we do call it choking in horses, it is different from what we think of as choking in people.   When we think about people choking, it is an immediate emergency and time is of the utmost importance.  The trachea or air pipe is blocked and the person can no longer breathe.  Until the obstruction is removed, no air can get through.  We all learned the Heimlich technique which can save a human's life.

 When a horse chokes, food is stuck in the esophagus blocking the pipe.  Air can still get through into the lungs but saliva, food and water cannot get to the stomach.  The obstruction in the esophagus can be anywhere between the mouth and the stomach but usually it happens just after the horse has swallowed the bolus or before it goes through the valve into the stomach.

 The presenting signs can include the following.  The horse may have food, saliva and thick drainage coming out of the nostrils.  There is often pain and the horse may keep extending his neck trying to relieve the cramping that is occurring.  Some horses will throw themselves down on the ground as if they are colicking,  trying to get away from the pain.  The breathing rate will increase and often the horse is depressed.

 The history usually indicates that the horse was fine until he started to eat.  Of all the feeds out there, we see choking most commonly with equine senior feeds.  The problem arises from the horse not chewing properly either because he is in such a rush to eat or he may have dental issues.  To help a horse eat slower, separating him from other horses is very helpful.  Putting big rocks, too big to swallow, in with the feed can also work as the horse has to work to find the grain and thus eats slower.  Adding water to the feed to make it into a slurry can also help.  Make any change gradually.

 We have been seeing more cases of choke recently.  Hay is being replaced by hay pellets,  alfalfa cubes and even complete feeds.  Horses may think that these are a delicious new treat and swallow without chewing properly.  These feed substitutions are fine but again, remember to make these changes gradually.

 The obstruction needs to be cleared for the horse to eat and drink.  This is where we get to use our veterinary skill of passing a stomach tube.  Usually we tranquilize the horse to allow for muscle relaxation and then we try to flush the feed out.  The esophagus is a smooth muscle and certain drugs may help the obstruction pass.  An endoscope can be helpful in seeing the obstruction and inside of the esophagus also.  Surgery is not a good option as the esophagus may heal with a stricture or narrowing causing difficulty eating.  We are very careful with what we pass as the liquid and food that isn't coming out the nose may end up in the trachea or lungs causing pneumonia.

 Prevention is once again the best.  Make feed changes gradually, separate horses when you feed grain, especially the ones who eat too fast, and make sure that your horses teeth aren't causing any problems.  Choke can be a serious problem and a painful one for your horse.  If your horse does choke, call your veterinarian immediately.