What is Choke?

Choke is a term for the oesophageal obstruction by food in a horse’s gullet. Despite popular belief, it can happen at any time for any number of reasons, and is not directly related to greed. It can be caused by the horse eating food that is too dry or coarse, food that swells rapidly when wet or odd shaped items of food such as carrots and apples. Horses with choke become dehydrated as they cannot swallow water, and in rare cases where the oesophagus ruptures, death occurs.

Causes

Horses that eat a lot can be susceptible to choke, as any mouthfuls that are swallowed once an obstruction forms is merely adding to the blockage. Dry feed is notorious for this as it swells as saliva combines with it, but other foods that can cause obstructions include pieces of fruit or vegetable, pieces of wood or even shavings. Horses that are exhausted should be given water to drink before given food, and that all feed is sloppy and easy to swallow.

An often overlooked cause of choke is feeding a horse too soon after it has been sedated or anaesthetised.  You should allow your horse to fully awaken before feeding, or choke can be a very real threat.

Once feeding problems are ruled out, there are some other causes you will need to look for. Dental difficulties can cause choke, such as sharp or worn teeth in older horses, and loose or erupting teeth in young horses. Often a different kind of obstruction, which is usually rare, pressing on the outside of the oesophagus that prevents the smooth passage of food can cause choke. One cause is neck injuries causing swelling and abscesses, such as those associated with strangles and, more unusually, tumours.

Rabies can have a similar effect to choke, as can a horse that simply eats too much and gets food stuck somewhere, so you need to have your vet fully investigate all the options before it gets to a serious stage.

The Signs

Horses with choke are in an acutely distressed state, coughing and spluttering. Sometimes, food and saliva pour from their mouth and nose as profuse green slime. Horses cannot vomit in the same way as people, but with acute choke they retch unpleasantly. They have difficulty swallowing at all, and may intermittently bend and stretch the neck in order to shift the blockage.

Initially, affected horses may still try to eat, even though the food passage is blocked. If the blockage does not shift, they lose their appetite and become dehydrated. Often the signs are noticed immediately or soon after the horse has been fed. When a horse has choke, it is obvious that there is something wrong. The good news is that it usually looks worse than it is. Most cases resolve without treatment before the vet arrives.

Treatment and prevention

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. 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. Finally, you should always let a horse eat in peace and avoid commotion that may cause him to move from the manger to the door rapidly, or use a manger that hangs over the door for nosy horses.

If you are worried that your horse is exhibiting signs of Choke, do not hesitate to consult your vet. Choke can be devastating if it is left untreated, so you should act decisively when your horse begins to show signs of an obstruction.

Animal Friends Insurance offers a wide range of comprehensive equine cover which you can tailor make to suit you. Phone today on 0844 57 32 100 or email us at info@animalfriends.co.uk and get a quote today.