Any feed that is supplied to horses and livestock can cause a condition known as ‘choke’. The condition is exactly what it sounds like. Choke happens when food gets trapped in the esophagus, creating a blockage. The animal then takes in more food, which at this point, can’t pass down to the stomach.
While any horse, cow, sheep, or goat can suffer choke, there are some especially prone. Livestock most susceptible to choke are geriatric animals as their teeth are worn down and they may not be chewing the food properly, and those that are greedy eaters. As they gobble, and chomp the food isn’t being pulverized enough for easy passage down the esophagus. Shetland ponies are especially prone to choke because of their narrow esophageal passageway.
What Causes Choke?
- The animal inadequately chewing feed either from misaligned teeth or greedy eaters.
- Large pieces of apples, and carrots.
- Foreign objects.
- Injury to the fragile lining of the esophageal tissue either by stomach tubing or very rough feed.
- Leakage of a jugular vein injection (from medication).
Symptoms of Choke
Choke is painful, and the animal will show signs of pain and distress. Here are signs to look for if you suspect choke in livestock:
- The animal will stretch and extend its neck.
- He will cough, and chewed feed and saliva will run out of one or both nostrils (and possibly the mouth).
- It is sometimes possible to feel a lump depending on where the blockage is located. If it’s in the lower part of the esophagus, it won’t be visible because it will be in the chest cavity.
- If the blockage isn't dislodged, he will show signs like depression,and lethargy.
Complications of Choke
While choke in horses and livestock rarely causes death, there are some other undesirable results. With severe choke, scarring, and narrowing of the esophagus occurs. Thereafter, the narrower passageway will make the animal more prone to choke in the future. Also, if the symptoms are prolonged or neglected, pneumonia can develop due to aspiration of fluid or food into the lungs. This is the point where it can threaten an animal's life as it's hard to treat pneumonia in horses and livestock once particles get into the lungs.
Preventing Choke in Livestock
- Consider not feeding pelleted feed and cubed feeds to animals who are greedy eaters.
- Feed pellets and grains in a large size feed bucket or pan to keep them from taking large mouthfuls at one time.
- Put mineral block bricks in the feeder so they have to move these aside to get to the feed.
- Moisten very dry feed like pellets, beet pulp, and hay cubes in water. Soaking feed is a good way to ensure adequate water intake especially in the cold months.
- Check animal’s teeth routinely, especially geriatric animals, to be sure the teeth are in a healthy condition for chewing. They may not be chewing all the way because they can’t.
- Avoid feeding an animal that has recently come out of anesthesia.
- Always provide fresh water for all livestock.
Livestock raisers, and horse owners have argued over the years as to whether choke is brought on by pellets, and cubed feeds alone. Some ranchers swear by it, some are sworn-off it. The fact is, any feed (hays, alfalfa, and grains included) can, and have caused choke in livestock.
What To Do If Livestock Is Choking
- Remove all water and feed form the area to avoid the animal taking more in and possibly aspirating it into its lungs.
- Observe the situation for a few minutes.
- If the animal doesn't right its self, and return to a normal state for that particular animal within a few minutes, a phone call to the vet is warranted.
Although it can be scary to watch, choke is seldom life-threatening. It is important to note that while the animal can’t swallow at this point, they can breathe. Livestock have an esophagus going directly from their mouth to their stomach. However, a humans only have a trachea (windpipe) and esophagus that merge very close together at the back, making choking an extremely dangerous situation for a person.
Disclaimer: This information in this article is for reference only. It doesn’t take the place of veterinary counsel or care.
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