Equine Choke

Equine Choke in horses, unlike the term used in human medicine, does not involve the trachea or windpipe. Instead, it refers to a blockage in the oesophagus, which is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. This condition occurs when food or a foreign object becomes lodged in the oesophagus, preventing it from passing smoothly down to the stomach.

One of the most common causes of equine choke in horses is eating dry food too quickly. When horses consume dry feed rapidly, there is a higher risk that it will become stuck in the oesophagus. Sugar beet, in particular, is known to cause problems if it is not properly soaked before feeding. This is because sugar beet absorbs moisture quickly and swells when mixed with saliva during chewing. As the food bolus (a small rounded mass of chewed food) increases in size, its movement down the oesophagus slows and can eventually come to a complete stop, leading to choke.

The initial signs of equine choke in horses may include signs of distress or panic as the horse makes repeated, unsuccessful attempts to swallow the obstructed food. You may notice that the horse becomes tense, especially in the neck muscles, as it tries to dislodge the blockage. Other symptoms can include nasal discharge that contains food particles and saliva, a depressed demeanour, and a lack of appetite.

Choke is a relatively common condition in horses, and although it can appear quite alarming at the moment, it often resolves on its own before a veterinarian arrives. However, it is crucial to contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as you suspect your horse is choking. Prompt notification allows your Thrums vet to provide you with appropriate advice on how to manage the situation while organising a visit to check on your horse and provide necessary treatment if the obstruction does not clear on its own.