Equine Studies Physiology 2

Mnemonic for Digestive System

Red dragons usually eat hot rice

Functions of Digestive System

reception of food; digestion of food; uptake of nutrients; expulsion of waste; homeostasis; regulation of blood volume and pressure

Choke: definition

when food becomes lodged in a horse’s oesophagus

Choke: short term impacts

The horse will stop eating and swallow repeatedly, stretching neck and producing large amounts of saliva to dislodge food. very distressing for the horse

Choke: long term impacts

Generally none but in extreme case it can cause damage to the oesophagus leading to scar tissue which then narrows the oesophagus and increases risk of recurrence; possible pneumonia from aspiration of food and fluids into lungs

Choke: prognosis

Generally resolved quickly but risk of pneumonia

Choke: treatment/management options

Horse generally resolves choke on its own. Gentle massaging of oesophagus can help, if the obstruction does not come dislodged then a vet may be required to help remove it. Horses prone to choke can have large objects (eg bricks, large stones) placed in feed to make the horse eat slower. wetting down feeds also help by lubricating feed as is goes down oesophagus