Companion Animals

Equine Oesophageal Obstruction (Choke): Welfare and Prevention

Oesophageal obstruction (choke) in horses causes distress and potential complications and can be prevented through appropriate feeding management.

Key Facts

Choke in horses involves obstruction of the oesophagus by food material, commonly dry hay cubes, sugar beet or carrots
Clinical signs include food and saliva draining from the nostrils, neck stretching and distress
Most cases resolve spontaneously or with conservative treatment but some require veterinary intervention
Horses with dental disease are at higher risk of choke due to inadequate food mastication

Welfare Considerations

Choke causes acute distress and inability to swallow, with food and saliva accumulating and causing further discomfort. Prolonged obstruction can cause oesophageal damage and aspiration pneumonia. Welfare priorities include soaking fibrous feeds before offering them, correcting dental disease to improve mastication, feeding from ground level to encourage proper food bolus formation, and seeking veterinary attention for obstructions not resolving within 30 minutes.

What You Can Do

Soak sugar beet and hay cubes thoroughly before feeding to reduce choke risk
Maintain regular dental checks every 6-12 months to ensure adequate mastication
Feed from the ground rather than elevated positions to promote natural head position during eating
Seek veterinary assistance for any horse showing oesophageal obstruction signs not resolving within 30 minutes