My horse chokes several times every spring. I am wondering if specific allergens and antibody reactions are involved in choke or if it is purely physiological. Could you give me information about choke?
Choke refers to obstruction of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube-like structure that connects the back of the mouth (pharynx) with the stomach, to which the esophagus conducts ingested substances. Some veterinarians use the term "choke" to refer to obstruction both inside and beyond the esophageal lumen (the inside of the "tube"); others restrict the term to obstructions inside the lumen.
Esophageal obstruction in the horse usually results from either something blocking the esophageal lumen, a stricture in the esophageal wall, something outside the esophagus that compresses it, or diverticulae (concave pouches) in the wall of the esophagus. The location of the obstruction and the underling disease or disorder causing it will determine the treatment and prognosis.
The most common cause of choke is food impaction within the esophagus. Other causes include strangles (in which an infected, enlarged lymph node causes compression of the esophagus); stricture of the esophagus; megaesophagus (where the esophagus is dilated and results in food getting lodged in the dilation); nerve deficits causing inability to swallow; foreign bodies other than food lodging within the esophagus; and dental problems that cause food to be inappropriately broken up prior to swallowing.
I am not aware of any allergens or antibody reactions causing choke. I could not see a mechanism for this to occur, as the causes are mostly physiological.
Signs that are seen with choke include inability or lack of desire to eat, drooling that may be green in color (if food is lodged), nasal discharge, swelling of the neck, neck extension or pain while trying to swallow.
Diagnosis is based on the presence of clinical signs and results of physical examination and procedural tests. Choke is usually caused by food stuck inside the esophagus. Basic radiographs (x-rays) and the passage of a nasogastric tube may be needed to identify a food bolus as the cause.
Further diagnostic tests may be required if the affected horse has recurrent choking episodes. These may include esophagoscopy (a procedure where an endoscope is passed down the esophagus to enable the veterinarian to visually evaluate the inside of the esophagus) to evaluate the wall of the esophagus and to look for lesions, foreign objects or compression of the esophagus. It may also be necessary to perform contrast radiographs of the neck. These contrast x-rays involve administering barium that will help to outline any abnormalities within the esophagus or involving the esophageal wall.
Treatment depends on the underling cause of the obstruction. Some cases of food obstruction get better without treatment When treatment is needed, muscle relaxant and tranquilizing drugs with or without warm water soaks delivered through the esophagus via nasogastric tube may be beneficial. Intravenous fluids, anti-inflammatory agents and antibiotics may also be required.
Please contact your veterinarian for a consultation about your horse's problem. I hope you find this information useful.
01/29/09
