Archive Case #36: Equine Choke

Clinical Clues

1. An adult gelding suddenly becomes distressed while eating soaked pellets in the stable.
2. Feed material mixed with saliva begins to run from both nostrils.
3. The horse repeatedly stretches its neck and makes repeated swallowing efforts without success.
4. A firm obstruction can be palpated along the left side of the neck.
5. Passage of a nasogastric tube is unsuccessful until the obstruction is relieved.
6. Blockage of the equine oesophagus commonly causes nasal reflux of feed and acute dysphagia.

Diagnosis

Equine Choke

This case is most consistent with Equine Choke because the horse developed sudden dysphagia with feed refluxing from the nostrils during a meal. The most important clues are the bilateral feed material at the nostrils, repeated swallowing attempts, and palpable cervical obstruction, which strongly support oesophageal blockage.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.