Post by IH Health on Jun 25, 2012 13:59:14 GMT 1
Choke
What is it?
A 'choke' in horses is where the esophagus (the food pipe) becomes blocked. Although the horse is still able to breathe, it will be unable to swallow. In some cases of severe choke, a secondary condition called aspiration pneumonia may arise where food and/or saliva could enter the trachea (wind pipe) and lungs causing extra problems.
Causes
There are generally two causes of choke:
1) Non-chewing of food - if horses don't chew their food properly then they are more likely to choke as larger pieces of food can become lodged in the espohagus. Non-chewing of food could be due to bolting of feed, dental issues, feeding whilst under sedation or
2) Foreign Objects - if your horse cribs bites or hoovers up non-edible items from the floor, the wood chips and other items could become lodged.
Symptoms
Symptoms of choke can be minor to major. Your horse may:
* Have difficulty swallowing
* Have a lack of interest in food
* Cough, or have a constant cough
* Be distressed, sweating or disturbed
* Have odd head and neck movements (generally pushing downwards)
* Have a runny discharge from its nostrils or saliva coming from the mouth (this is where saliva and/or food stuffs could potentially enter the trachea)
* Occassionally the block in the esophagus can be seen as a lump
Diagnosis
A vet is required if you suspect your horse is choking. The vet will often place a tube down the horse's esophagus to see if any part is blocked. In some cases endoscopies and radiography is used.
Treatment
Whilst awaiting a vet no food or drink should be given to the horse otherwise the blockage could get worse or secondary problems could arise. Your horse may be sedated and injected with spasmolytics to try and help the muscles to relax. This may cause the blockage to clear naturally. If not a stomach tube may be inserted and a warm water lavage may be administered - do not try this yourself as the water may go into the lungs. In very rare cases an operation may be required to remove articles of choke.
Ways to reduce the risk of 'choke'
* Ensure your horse has a good dental technician and any dental problems are dealt with quickly
* Give your horse plenty of access to water - studies have shown that horses that don't have adequate access to water are more likely to choke.
* Ensure all feed that is required to be soaked is soaked well - if your horse is prone to choking then all feed should be soaked.
* Discourage the bolting of feed (you may need to find alternative ways of feeding rather than in a bucket!)
* If your horse has previously choked be aware that scar tissue may have formed at the point of injury and be on the look out for symptoms.
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
[url=http://www.ihdg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=gh11&thread=118746&page=1
]Choke[/url]
[url=http://www.ihdg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=gh11&thread=117817&page=1
]Pausing and drooling excessively whilst eating[/url]
[url=http://www.ihdg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=gh11&thread=117523&page=1
]Whinney choked =( [/url]
[url=http://www.ihdg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=gh11&thread=117190&page=1
]Feeding ideas[/url]
[url=http://www.ihdg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=gh11&thread=114300&page=1
]Choke???[/url]
+ much more in the search section!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
What is it?
A 'choke' in horses is where the esophagus (the food pipe) becomes blocked. Although the horse is still able to breathe, it will be unable to swallow. In some cases of severe choke, a secondary condition called aspiration pneumonia may arise where food and/or saliva could enter the trachea (wind pipe) and lungs causing extra problems.
Causes
There are generally two causes of choke:
1) Non-chewing of food - if horses don't chew their food properly then they are more likely to choke as larger pieces of food can become lodged in the espohagus. Non-chewing of food could be due to bolting of feed, dental issues, feeding whilst under sedation or
2) Foreign Objects - if your horse cribs bites or hoovers up non-edible items from the floor, the wood chips and other items could become lodged.
Symptoms
Symptoms of choke can be minor to major. Your horse may:
* Have difficulty swallowing
* Have a lack of interest in food
* Cough, or have a constant cough
* Be distressed, sweating or disturbed
* Have odd head and neck movements (generally pushing downwards)
* Have a runny discharge from its nostrils or saliva coming from the mouth (this is where saliva and/or food stuffs could potentially enter the trachea)
* Occassionally the block in the esophagus can be seen as a lump
Diagnosis
A vet is required if you suspect your horse is choking. The vet will often place a tube down the horse's esophagus to see if any part is blocked. In some cases endoscopies and radiography is used.
Treatment
Whilst awaiting a vet no food or drink should be given to the horse otherwise the blockage could get worse or secondary problems could arise. Your horse may be sedated and injected with spasmolytics to try and help the muscles to relax. This may cause the blockage to clear naturally. If not a stomach tube may be inserted and a warm water lavage may be administered - do not try this yourself as the water may go into the lungs. In very rare cases an operation may be required to remove articles of choke.
Ways to reduce the risk of 'choke'
* Ensure your horse has a good dental technician and any dental problems are dealt with quickly
* Give your horse plenty of access to water - studies have shown that horses that don't have adequate access to water are more likely to choke.
* Ensure all feed that is required to be soaked is soaked well - if your horse is prone to choking then all feed should be soaked.
* Discourage the bolting of feed (you may need to find alternative ways of feeding rather than in a bucket!)
* If your horse has previously choked be aware that scar tissue may have formed at the point of injury and be on the look out for symptoms.
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
[url=http://www.ihdg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=gh11&thread=118746&page=1
]Choke[/url]
[url=http://www.ihdg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=gh11&thread=117817&page=1
]Pausing and drooling excessively whilst eating[/url]
[url=http://www.ihdg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=gh11&thread=117523&page=1
]Whinney choked =( [/url]
[url=http://www.ihdg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=gh11&thread=117190&page=1
]Feeding ideas[/url]
[url=http://www.ihdg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=gh11&thread=114300&page=1
]Choke???[/url]
+ much more in the search section!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.