CHOKE
The horse with an esophageal choke (blockage of the esophagus) will
have feed and saliva draining from both nostrils. Often the horse
will be shaking its head and be in obvious distress. All feed and
water should be removed until the blockage is relieved. If the horse
continues to attempt to eat or drink there is an increased chance of inhalation
of saliva, water and food particles. Inhalation of this material
can lead to severe pneumonia. In most cases an obstruction caused
by feed will be relieved within a few hours without special therapy.
Massaging the throat area may help reduce the blockage in some cases.
Persistent blockage will require veterinary assistance.
A common cause of choke is the rapid eating of very dry and hard feed.
Hay or feed left in trailer for long periods of time can become very dry.
The hungry horse returning from a pack trip is at risk of a choke.
The normal horse may secrete several gallons of saliva each day.
Dehydration and stress will reduce the amount of saliva available.
Saliva serves to lubricate and moisten feed as it is chewed. A reduction
in the amount of saliva, rapid eating and unusually dry or hard feed set
the stage for esophageal blockage.
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