05/31/2026
I talk about choke often and it is one of the main reasons I like to do my bring in exercises.
Horses that come in too excited to eat tend to forget how to chew. Sometimes the excitement just has them grabbing a mouthful and quickly swinging their heads back out of the stall door to check that their buddies are in too. As with humans, swallowing without chewing can result in a blockage. If I can help them come in and relax, by thinking about something other than the waiting grain, I have a better chance of not needing a vet for this very painful situation.
Choke is VERY painful. Even without the discharge, choke is easily identifiable by the shape the neck takes when there is a spasm. If I ever were to doubt I was dealing with choke, I specifically watch the way the neck takes on an unusual shape in a spasm.
They don't always get to the point of a discharge, but 100% if they do... You MUST have the vet come out. Even though they can still breathe, complications from aspirating grain particles can lead to a serious lung infection and even death.
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