## Overview Esophageal rupture is a full-thickness tear of the esophageal wall. It is most often iatrogenic from nasogastric intubation or secondary to prolonged severe choke. Leakage of feed and saliva causes severe cellulitis, subcutaneous emphysema, and potentially fatal mediastinitis or pleuritis. ## Causes Trauma from tubing or pressure necrosis from prolonged obstruction. ## Diagnosis History of choke or tubing, plus crepitus, swelling, fever, and imaging or endoscopy confirming the tear. ## Treatment Aggressive wound management, antibiotics, nutritional support (often via esophagostomy or parenteral routes), and drainage. Prognosis is poor, especially for thoracic ruptures. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded to poor. Many horses do not survive. ## Prevention Careful nasogastric intubation and prompt resolution of choke.
subcutaneous emphysema in the neck; fever; cellulitis; crepitus; often follows choke or tubing
## Overview Esophageal rupture is a full-thickness tear of the esophageal wall. It is most often iatrogenic from nasogastric intubation or secondary to prolonged severe choke. Leakage of feed and saliva causes severe cellulitis, subcutaneous emphysema, and potentially fatal mediastinitis or pleuritis. ## Causes Trauma from tubing or pressure necrosis from prolonged obstruction. ## Diagnosis History of choke or tubing, plus crepitus, swelling, fever, and imaging or endoscopy confirming the tear. ## Treatment Aggressive wound management, antibiotics, nutritional support (often via esophagostomy or parenteral routes), and drainage. Prognosis is poor, especially for thoracic ruptures. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded to poor. Many horses do not survive. ## Prevention Careful nasogastric intubation and prompt resolution of choke.
subcutaneous emphysema in the neck; fever; cellulitis; crepitus; often follows choke or tubing