Esophageal obstruction (choke)

Esophageal Obstruction

Esophageal foreign bodies

In Minnesota, fragments of stomach tube can cause esophageal or gastric foreign bodies. Typically this occurs in winter when tubes become cold and brittle. Sometimes the fragments can be removed endoscopically or via gastrotomy. If neither of those are an option, esophagotomy is possible. If esophagotomy is performed, a stomach tube should be placed to permit feeding. This can be placed through the incision. The slurry diet can predispose horses to laminitis (high concentrate, low fiber).