Choke in horses.

Choke is often a very serious issue. Many can clear on their own within 10 mins but if this there at 20 mins. It is an emergency

This is our approach to choke in horses.

Equine Choke Protocol – Minimum Standard of Care

1. Initial Contact and History Gathering

– Record time of onset and feed type involved

– Ask about previous choke episodes or dental history

– Determine any treatments already attempted by the client

2. On-Site Assessment

– Observe signs: coughing, retching, nasal discharge, distress

– Explain to the client the possibility of a nosebleed during tube passage

3. Immediate Medical Management

– Sedate with detomidine

– Administer flunixin meglumine (anti-inflammatory)

– Administer Buscopan (smooth muscle relaxant)

4. Physical Procedure

– Pass a large-bore nasogastric tube

– Use warm water for gentle lavage

– Goal: either flush obstruction out or allow it to pass into the stomach

– Limit procedure to 20 minutes to avoid esophageal damage

– If unresolved, stop and consider re-evaluation, referral, or further diagnostics

5. Post-Resolution Care

– If resolved: remove tube, monitor horse closely

– Do not feed for 12 hours

– No hard feed for 24 hours; introduce soft soaked feed slowly thereafter

– Monitor for signs of aspiration (coughing, fever, nasal discharge)

6. Follow-Up and Client Education

– Discuss dental care and feeding practices

– If any concern, schedule follow-up for dental exam

– Discuss aspiration pneumonia risk and warning signs