Choke

Symptoms

Horse is very distressed, struggling to clear a blockage within the throat, and retching noisily, saliva may be coming from the mouth and nose and may contain food material, horse may panic and become uncontrollable.

Cause

Usually caused by eating food quickly, and it becoming impacted in the oesophagus. It may occur more often in tired and dehydrated horses. Following damage to the oesophagus a tumour or fibrosis may form causing recurring blockages. Dry sugar beet cubes and bread can often be the cause.

Treatment

Drugs can be administered to relax the oesphagus and sedatives can be given to calam the horse. Most blockages clear after a few hours although occasionally surgery may be required.

Please remember this information is provided as a guide only and professional advice should be sought before any diagnosis or treatment is applied.