Choke (Oesophageal Obstruction)
Choke in horses is a blockage of the oesophagus, not the airway — the horse can still breathe. Common causes are bolted dry feed, large pieces of carrot or apple, or poor dental health. Most cases resolve within an hour but can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
Symptoms to watch for
Coughing and retching
Saliva and feed material discharging from the nostrils
Extended neck, repeated swallowing attempts
Anxiety and distress
Visible bulge along the left side of the neck (rare)
Reluctance to eat or drink
Common causes
- Bolting dry pelleted feed without adequate chewing
- Large chunks of apple, carrot, or treats
- Sugar beet pulp fed un-soaked
- Poor dental condition leading to inadequate chewing
- Eating too quickly after exercise
- Sedation reducing swallowing reflex
Prevention
- Soak all pelleted feed and beet pulp before feeding
- Cut treats into small pieces (no larger than a thumbnail)
- Add large smooth stones to the feed bucket to slow eating
- Schedule annual dental floats — twice yearly for older horses
- Allow horses to cool out and drink before feeding grain
- Feed multiple small meals rather than one large meal
- Soak hay for very fast eaters
What to do
- 1
Call the vet immediately.
- 2
Remove all food and water from the stall.
- 3
Keep the horse calm — anxiety worsens the obstruction.
- 4
Do NOT give anything by mouth, including water.
- 5
Allow the horse to lower its head naturally to drain saliva.
- 6
Note time of onset and what was being eaten for the vet.
Do not wait.
Always call the vet for choke. Even if it resolves on its own, the vet should examine the horse for damage to the oesophagus and assess risk of aspiration pneumonia. Sedation, oxytocin, or oesophageal lavage may be needed.
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