Choke occurs when your horse eats something that
blocks the tube that connects the mouth with the stomach (the oesophagus). This
happens when a horse eats to greedily, does not chew food properly because of
teeth problems, eats odd shaped lumps of food eg carrots and apples or when
unsoaked food like sugar beet is fed.
Signs
Difficulty in swallowing (may be painful)
Coughing
Extending the neck and head
Stomach contents dribbling down from the nostrils
Saliva drooling from the mouth.
What should I do?:
Stay calm and move the horse to a stable
where he or she can be quiety observed. Do not offer any food or water. Phone
your vet for advice.
Treatment:
Vets usually administer calming drugs like tranquillizers and spasmolytics which
stop the wall of the oesophagus over reacting. When the oesophagus stops trying
to force the food down quickly it usually slips down gradually of its own
accord.
If the situation is more serious your vet might
try to pass a stomach tube to push the material further down. If the food does
not pass down in 24 hrs the vet may pass water down the stomach tube to try and
help.
Free veterinary advice helpline: 01243 773363 (UK)
Free veterinary advice helpline: 0044 1243 773363 (International)
Mobile veterinary advice line: 07734 240 709 (UK)
All numbers available 9am - 5.30pm UK time.
Out of hours try mobile number.
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