Question

How can I tell if my horse is choking, and what can I feed to keep him from having this problem?

Answer

Choke is an obstruction of the esophagus and can be caused by almost anything a horse eats. Horses with choke often have saliva and wet feed material streaming from their nostrils. These horses will make gagging sounds and act distressed, frequently standing with their heads and necks stretched out in an effort to relieve the blockage. Repeated swallowing may relieve the blockage, but if this fails, a veterinarian should be called to assist in clearing the esophagus. Horses have been known to choke on hay, pelleted feeds, textured feeds, and treats such as apples and carrots. The main reason horses choke is rapid consumption of feed; they simply do not chew and moisten the feed properly prior to swallowing. Slowing the aggressive eater will often prevent further choke episodes.