Choke in horses is terrifying for the owner and the animal. Choke refers to an esophageal blockage, which can occur with any type of feed a horse consumes—whether it’s commercial feed, forage, treats, or even foreign objects like baling twine. Watching out for choke might be even more important in our senior horses and ponies, especially if they have dental issues, as discussed below.

It’s also important for horse owners to be aware of a potential risk of choke around feeding time.

Why is it important for horse owners to understand choke?

Choke can be a medical emergency that requires veterinary attention if the horse is unable to clear the blockage on its own. While horses can still breathe during a choke episode (since they are obligate nasal breathers), they often become anxious and might become dehydrated, as they cannot drink.

If veterinary intervention is needed, your vet might administer sedatives or muscle relaxants to help calm the horse and allow it to pass the blockage naturally.

An endoscopy (a procedure where a tube with a camera is passed down the esophagus) might be performed to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. In some cases, your vet might insert a nasogastric tube to carefully remove the obstruction.

Fluids might be given to treat dehydration. Medication might be administered to address any infection or inflammation.

After the blockage is cleared, the horse might need to be fasted for a period of time, followed by a soft, grass-based or mash-only diet to allow the esophagus to heal.

Potential complications of choke include the aspiration of food or foreign material into the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia. There also might be damage to the esophagus that can cause scarring and a persistent narrowing (stricture). That can lead to future choking episodes.

Some of these complications might not show up until days after the incident. That means it’s important to closely monitor your horse in the days and weeks following a choke episode

What signs might indicate that a horse is experiencing choke?

Horses might display different reactions, but common signs of choke include stepping away from their feed, keeping their head low and neck extended, frequent coughing, and making gagging or retching noises.

They might also attempt to swallow repeatedly. In some cases, you might notice a visible bulge on the left side of the neck where the blockage is located.

Nasal discharge is often seen with choke, typically a mixture of saliva and feed material that drains from the nostrils because the horse cannot swallow it. The discharge can appear foamy, clear, or take on the color of the feed the horse is choking on.

Horses with choke often become anxious or panicked, so it’s important to remain cautious and safe when managing the situation.

However, not all cases of choke are immediately obvious, especially with stoic horses. In these cases, you might notice that the horse seems eager to eat, but only nibbles at the feed or forage. Some horses might “quid” their food, meaning they chew it, then drop it from their mouths instead of swallowing. These horses might walk away from their feed without consuming anything.

If you observe sudden changes in your horse’s eating behavior, it’s important to contact your veterinarian. In such cases. Your vet might need to use an endoscope to determine the cause, as the issue might not be immediately apparent

What should I do if I think my horse is experiencing a choke episode?

First and foremost, try to remain calm, as panicking can increase your horse’s anxiety. Remove any feed, bedding, or objects that the horse might try to eat. Some horses might continue to attempt swallowing, which could worsen the blockage.

Keep your horse as calm and relaxed as possible, as this might help the muscles relax and allow the blockage to clear.

If the blockage doesn’t clear within a few minutes (no more than 5-10 minutes), or if you’re concerned, contact your veterinarian right away. It’s important not to attempt to dislodge the blockage yourself and avoid forcing water into the horse’s mouth with a syringe, bottle, or hose, as this can increase the risk of aspiration pneumonia if feed material is accidentally inhaled into the lungs.

What can I do to reduce my horse’s risk of choke?

Horses can choke on various feed materials, including apples, carrots, grass, hay, or commercial feeds. Certain horses are more prone to choke, particularly those with dental issues or mouth pain that prevent them from chewing properly. Also, those horses that are eager eaters or tend to ‘bolt’ their food. Horses with specific clinical conditions might also be more susceptible to recurring choke episodes, and these animals should be managed carefully once identified.

A key factor in reducing choke risk and promoting overall well-being is maintaining good dental health. Horses with sharp points on their teeth might chew less efficiently due to discomfort.

Other dental problems, such as worn or missing teeth in older horses, can also hinder proper chewing. Horses with limited chewing surface left on their teeth might need alternative fiber sources, such as softer or chopped forage. For some horses, even these feedstuffs can still have the potential to cause choke.

Alternatives, such as mashes, might be needed (see tips for feeding horses with dental issues/feeding mashes). Regular dental check-ups, especially as your horse ages, can help prevent these issues. Dental exams might indicate that changes in the diet are needed to help reduce the risk of choke.

How can I slow down a fast eater?

Slowing down your horse’s eating can be another useful strategy to reduce choke. How to best do this depends on the horse and the type of feed being offered.

For some horses, feeding from troughs instead of buckets can help slow them down. In a larger trough,they must ‘chase’ the feed around, which prolongs mealtimes.

Horses that are more submissive might eat more slowly when they’re not competing for food. That means feeding them in a quiet, separate area can encourage them to spend more time chewing.

Horses that eat aggressively might benefit from multiple small meals throughout the day. This limits the amount they can bolt at one feeding.

Soaking feed can also help slow a horse’s intake and reduce the risk of choke.

Puzzle feeders or slow-feed hay nets can be effective in increasing chewing time and reducing the speed of consumption.

For horses with good dentition, adding chopped fiber (such as chaff) to their feed can help slow down intake.

When offering treats like fruits and vegetables, it’s important to cut them into appropriate sizes (e.g., slicing carrots lengthwise) to help prevent choking.

What’s the best way to soak horse feeds?

Soaking feed is a good option for almost all horses, regardless of their age, breed, or previous history of choke. Adding water to the feed provides extra lubrication, which helps it pass smoothly down the esophagus and can also slow intake.

Soaking is especially important for feedstuffs like mashes or sugar beet pulp, which rapidly swell when mixed with moisture. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for feeding any new products and check that the consistency is suitable for your individual horse. If necessary, increase the soaking time and/or the amount of water used.

If your horse has experienced choke in the past, it’s wise to consult with your veterinarian or nutritionist to assess the potential choke risk before adding a new product to the diet.

Additionally, always inspect your feed for foreign objects before offering it to your horse. Notify the feed producer if anything unusual is found.

And, of course, ensure that your horse always has access to clean, fresh water.

Final Words

While choke is a risk for all horses, there are many ways to reduce that risk. Regular dental care, soaking feed, and consulting with your veterinarian and nutritionist about your feeding practices are great places to start in minimizing the chance of a choke episode.

Further Reading

  • Caitlyn Caby, a Wisconsin native, grew up barrel racing and showing the all-around pleasure events on local and national levels. She held an internship at a leading North Texas breeding and performance horse operation, where she gained hands-on experience in performance horse management, reproduction, and rehabilitation. Caby earned her B.S. in Equine Science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 2021. After graduation, she worked several years as an equine vet assistant. Her experiences reinforced a belief in the need for science-based nutritional solutions and accessible nutritional resources for horse owners and managers. She now channels her extensive knowledge and passion into her role as Technical Marketing Nutrition Specialist for Mars Horsecare US and BUCKEYE™️ Nutrition.
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