Tag Archives: choking

“Let Me Clear My Throat..”

My poor guy was eating the other night and began to choke.  Scary doesn’t even begin to cover it.  I immediately removed his feed and began to rub his neck to feel for any lumps (feed stuck in his esophagus).  I administered 10cc of Banamine into his butt cheek, which helps the horse’s muscles to relax, thus allowing the food to move through.  I called my vet who said to call her back in 20 min (once the Banamine had time to take effect) if I felt that he was still having issues.  Well, me being the overprotective person I am, I called and asked her to come out to check on Chance and make sure he was okay. The vet came out and flushed his mouth twice with water and said that she felt that he was okay and had passed whatever feed had been stuck.  Thank God!

(Below is a picture of Chance drugged up and waiting for the vet).

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Resources on Choke

How To Tell If Your Horse Is Choking and How You Can Help

When Horses Choke

 

One of the Scariest Moments 

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What do you do when your horse suddenly chokes?!
Well, unfortunately, I found out the hard way. Thankfully I had my emergency medical barn book and was able to quickly reference what to do.

Here are the steps an owner can take until the vet comes (if necessary):

1. Help keep your horse calm

2. Give injection Intramuscularly (IM) or Intravenously (IV) or orally (liquid only) of Banamine (10cc) to help relax the muscles

3. Rub the horse’s throat until the substance the horse is choking on comes out of the nose and mouth

4. Remove all other feed and hay

5. Call vet to ask if the horse should be put on antibiotics in case they have aspirated (the substance getting into their lungs)


Here is a link to more information on what you and/or your vet can do to help your horse- When a horse chokes

Lucky’s Teeth

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Luck had his first ever dental floating today! It was quite the ordeal for the poor little man but, according to the vet, Luck was in desperate need of some work due to the sharp points of some of his teeth.

Thankfully he did great and was pretty laid back despite the contraption he had to wear and the big file in his mouth. But, to be on the safe side the vet gave him a little sedative.

The vet explained that an animal who receives a sedative should have all their hay and feed removed because the drugs usually make them hungry, but due to their drowsiness they are likely to choke!

Luck drugged up

 

Luck also got his sheath cleaned for the first time. Apparently, stallions or Jacks normally keep themselves very clean and do not require much sheath maintainace.

Now Luck is up to date on all of his vaccinations, hoof trimming, and dental care!