The Horse:Your Guide To Equine Health Care provides monthly equine health care information to horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, barn/farm managers, trainer/riding instructors, and others involved in the hands-on care of the horse.
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39 September 2017 THE HORSE TheHorse.com were able to reduce the rate of intake by using commonly available grazing muzzles," she says. "For horses that are prone to choke because of aggressive eating, this may provide a method for getting them to slow down and chew their dinner—just like our mothers used to ask us to do." Post-Choke Meals If, despite preventive approaches, your horse has a choke episode, it's important to feed him properly afterward. "Typically I like to 'rest' the esophagus for a period of 12 hours or so if there was inflamma- tion present at the site of obstruction (i.e., a long-standing choke)," says Diana Hassel, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, ACVECC, associate professor of equine emergency surgery and critical care at Colorado State University. "During this time I will put a horse in a rubber mat stall with- out bedding and only offer water if the obstruction has been relieved." When introducing food, Hassel and others recommend making a slurry of pelleted feed (such as a complete senior feed) or hay pellets by soaking them in a large amount of water for at least an hour until they reach a liquid consistency. After a few days of slurries, Hassel reduces the amount of water gradually until the horse or pony can eat completely dry food— usually within a week or so, depending on the severity of the injury. Veterinarians at South Eastern Equine Hospital report that when damage occurs to the esophagus wall, this structure tends to contract as it heals and form strictures that narrow the tube. These can predispose the horse to choking again in the future, so make sure you have your veterinarian release an obstruction quickly and promptly. The recommended diet for the hos- pital's 5-year-old Thoroughbred patient post-choke consisted of a gruel or mash. His veterinarians say any complete pel- leted feed that can be soaked enough to make a soft mash is appropriate until inflammation subsides, typically within three to five days. Stay clear of abrasive feeds until the esophagus heals completely. Wrapping It Up Esophageal obstruction can result from ingesting any feed or foreign material. Rapid or aggressive intake is the most common cause. Identify horses at a higher risk for choke, such as older horses with dental problems, and manage them carefully. Techniques to slow consumption rate and reduce aggressive feeding behaviors can help minimize choke risk, including soaking hay or grain, adding to or adjusting feed buckets, and using grazing muzzles. h Dandy Products, Inc. Padding & Flooring Specialists "Padding At Its Best" Breeding Sheds, Stocks, Stalls, Trailers, Exercise & Training Areas, Induction & Recovery Rooms Table & Surgical Pads, Neo-Natal Foal Beds Non-Slip Safety Floors for All Areas Pavesafe Bricks & Tiles, Trac-Roll & Vet-Trac Floors, Wash Stall,Grooming, Aisleway and Trailer Mats Toll-Free 888.883.8386 • 513.625.3000 FAX 513.625.2600 3314 State Route 131, Goshen, Ohio 45122 • www.dandyproducts.net Specialized feed tubs, such as this one with molded cups in the bottom, can slow feed consumption and help prevent choke. COURTESY PRE-VENT