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HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract » Mouth, Esophagus, and Liver » Choke: Esophageal Obstruction »
  Discussion on Prolonged choking?
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Posted on Sunday, Jan 20, 2002 - 4:07 pm:

I have read the article on choking and esophagal blockage and read the posts, which were all very helpful. I have a 13 year old mare who is 10 months pregnant. On Saturday we traveled to the farm where she is pastured and she was breathing very heavily and couldn't seem to swallow the grain we offered her. When she tried she extended her neck and coughed. Then she would sneeze and food and thick, clear discharge would come out. She has been primarily grazing on pasture land, but on Saturdays we also roll out a round bale of oat hay for her and 7 other horses. They have access to running water at all times.

On Sunday (today) morning I returned with the horse trailer and brought her home. She is still breathing hard and doesn't eat, although she is not in great distress. Her temp is 100. I called the emergency vet on call and he said he thought she would be fine until the clinic was open on Monday.

My concern is this: from all of the posts, it sounded like choking or blockage should be a very short term condition, not days. Is there a danger that the baby is not getting enough oxygen? If the blockage stays in her throat that long, will infection be a possibility?

I plan to take her to the clinic first thing in the morning, but want to be as informed as possible when I go so I can ask all the right questions and feel confident that she is checked out thoroughly.

Thank you for your help.

Posted on Monday, Jan 21, 2002 - 5:39 am:

The immediate concern is not air way blockage. You are confusing the esophagus with the trachea. The trachea carries the air. The problem is with aspiration pneumonia and damage to the esophagus. This mare should not be transported by standard trailer if the blockage is still present. With the head tied up aspiration can occur. It sounds like the vet feels the blockage has passed on its own?
DrO
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