Checking Facts on Choke, a Condition in Horses

Articles on Horses | Topics: horses, horse, equestrian

by Celena S. Pitts

Checking Facts on Choke, a Condition in Horses

Choke in horses is something to be taken seriously, however, when checking the facts on choke, a condition in horses, don't be confused. It is different from choke in humans.

In humans, choke involves the windpipe, limiting, or completely obstructing one's ability to breathe. In horses it is a different situation. In a horse, the choke is in the esophagus, not the windpipe. Horses choke on food most often. Horses that have a tendency to eat fast, without completely chewing their food are likely to choke. Some of the foods that can cause choke are pellet feeds, hay cubes, which are gaining in popularity because of the ease of transporting them, and supplements such as beet pulp. Beet pulp is particularly bad if it is not properly soaked before feeding, as when it comes in contact with the saliva in a horse's mouth, it absorbs the liquid and expands.

Many times, the only indications that you will get that your horse is suffering from choke, are that he is not eating or drinking. On occasion, you will notice a discharge from his nose that has food particles in it.

It is imperative that you remove all the food stuffs from his location if you suspect choke. Be sure he has plenty of clean, fresh water at all times, even if you suspect choke. Sometimes you may be able to feel a lump on the side of his neck from the food that is causing the obstruction, and you may be able to work it loose from outside his body. If, after an hour, your horse is still showing signs of choke, you will need to call your vet, as your horse may need surgery to remove the obstruction in his esophagus. Not many cases require such drastic measure, but it is possible. If nothing else, your vet may give your horse a sedative, which may relax him enough to allow him to swallow and pass the blockage down his throat.

When it comes to checking facts on choke, a condition in horses, and you aren't sure if that is what is bothering him, then your best bet is to always consult your vet. The vet has the expertise to deal with these situations, and may simply pass a deforming tube into his esophagus with water or mineral oil poured through it to help in loosening, breaking up, and moving the blockage. It is imperative to be consistent in checking facts on choke, a condition in horses, as it may resemble colic or other stomach ailments.

Bit of History

When I was young, beautiful ancient statues were castrated, so that the eye might not be corrupted.... Nothing was gained, unless horses and asses had also been castrated.

—Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592)

Unfortunately for an owner, horses can't speak and tell what's bothering them, so it's up to the owner to watch their feeding closely and monitor their mannerisms when it comes to food. Once a horse chokes, he will be more susceptible to it within 72 hours of the first time. This is due to the swelling and stretching of the esophagus muscles, and the stress they were under when they were spamming.

In addition, there are steps you can take to prevent choke in the critical hours that follow a choke episode. Your vet may give you an anti-inflammatory to administer to your horse to reduce the swelling of the esophagus, which will aid in reducing the likelihood of a recurrence of choke. You may be instructed to feed your horse bran mashes or other softened foods in the following 72 or so hours to reduce the recurrence as well.

When checking the facts on choke, a condition in horses, be sure to check with your vet when you call him to determine whether or not to offer the horse water. Some people feel that with a horse with symptoms of choke should not have access to water, this is a call your vet should make. The only real problem associated with allowing your horse water before the vet arrives, is that if the blockage is severe enough, your horse may take water into his lungs, which could result in pneumonia or a lung infection.

There are ways to prevent choke, however, no horse can be protected from everything. They are curious by nature and can get hurt in a padded stall. When checking the facts on choke, a condition in horses, it is advisable to discourage the horse from gobbling his food by placing large, softball size rocks in his feed tub to slow down his eating. By doing this, he had to push the rocks out of the way with his nose to get to the feed pellets. Even placing a mineral or salt block in his feeder will slow down a feed-wolfing horse.

Also, make gradual changes in feed. Check your fences for loose pieces of wood, if you have wood fences, so he doesn't chew on them and swallow, (or attempt to), pieces of wood that may lodge in his esophagus. When feeding treats to him, make sure to cut, or break them into small pieces that he can manage versus giving him the whole apple. Corncobs are another bad food that can cause choke. Take a walk around your horse's paddock or pasture. Anything smaller than softballs should be removed from harms way.

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