1. Choke Mark Tabachnik

2. Choke Impaction of usually food material, in oesophagus Coarse mix, hay, shavings, carrots, unsoaked sugar beet Inadequate chewing secondary to a dental problem

3. Clinical signs Oral and nasal regurgitation of feed and saliva Frequent, ineffectual attempts at swallowing Stretching of neck and retching May be able to palpate impacted oesophagus on left side of neck

4. Take home message Stay calm – horse can breathe – will not die Inform owner Call vet - ?treatment Remove food and water Leave quietly in stable Clean material from nose

5. Anatomy of the pharynx

6. Choke nostrils mouth oesophagus windpipe larynx “voice-box”

7. Treatment of Choke Leave horse alone Probably cough and clear without treatment Often cleared by time vet arrives

8. Treatment of Choke Sedate Stomach tube gently to obstruction Gently “wash” away the obstruction Pass tube to stomach Analgesia / antibiotics / muscle relaxants

9. Prevention Have teeth checked Removal of sharp enamel points / improves chewing ability

10. Prevention Add more water to concentrate feed Soak sugar beet Add less water to concentrate feed Slow eating – large stones / bricks

11. Prevention Remove stress / competition at feeding time Soak hay / feed haylage