## Overview Esophageal obstruction, or choke, is blockage of the esophagus by feed or foreign material. It is the most common esophageal emergency in horses. Unlike human choking, the airway is usually patent, but the horse cannot swallow and risks aspiration pneumonia. ## Causes Rapid eating of dry feed, dental disease impairing chewing, inadequate water, or underlying esophageal abnormality. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs of nasal discharge of feed, repeated swallowing, and neck extension. Passage of a nasogastric tube confirms obstruction. ## Treatment Sedation and esophageal lavage to soften and relieve the obstruction. Antibiotics if aspiration has occurred. Most cases resolve medically. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good if relieved promptly and aspiration is minimal. Prolonged choke risks stricture or rupture. ## Prevention Slow feeders, soaked feeds for at-risk horses, and regular dental care.
bilateral frothy nasal discharge containing feed; repeated swallowing; arched neck; coughing; palpable mass in the neck
## Overview Esophageal obstruction, or choke, is blockage of the esophagus by feed or foreign material. It is the most common esophageal emergency in horses. Unlike human choking, the airway is usually patent, but the horse cannot swallow and risks aspiration pneumonia. ## Causes Rapid eating of dry feed, dental disease impairing chewing, inadequate water, or underlying esophageal abnormality. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs of nasal discharge of feed, repeated swallowing, and neck extension. Passage of a nasogastric tube confirms obstruction. ## Treatment Sedation and esophageal lavage to soften and relieve the obstruction. Antibiotics if aspiration has occurred. Most cases resolve medically. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good if relieved promptly and aspiration is minimal. Prolonged choke risks stricture or rupture. ## Prevention Slow feeders, soaked feeds for at-risk horses, and regular dental care.
bilateral frothy nasal discharge containing feed; repeated swallowing; arched neck; coughing; palpable mass in the neck