Horse gullet constipation: causes, symptoms and effective treatment approaches

Gullet obstruction in horses is one of the most common emergency situations and requires rapid and targeted intervention to avoid serious complications. Blockage of the oesophagus can be very uncomfortable and even life-threatening for the horse. In this article, the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for gullet blockage are explained in detail. It also presents preventive measures that can minimize the risk of such an incident.

What is a blocked throat in a horse?

A blockage of the gullet in horses describes a partial or complete blockage of the oesophagus, which makes it impossible to swallow and transport food further. This blockage is usually caused by food or foreign bodies becoming lodged in the oesophagus. In contrast to constipation of the intestine, this is a disease of the upper digestive tract.

Horse throat blockage what to do?

If a horse's throat is suspected to be blocked, quick and prudent action is crucial to ensure the horse's well-being. The most important steps are

First measures in case of throat blockage

• Stay calm: Make sure that the horse remains calm to avoid further complications.
• Do not allow further eating or drinking: Prevent the horse from trying to continue eating or drinking, as this could aggravate the blockage.
• Call a veterinarian: Contact a veterinarian immediately for professional diagnosis and treatment.

What you should avoid

• Do not try to remove the food from the esophagus yourself. This can lead to injury or worsening of the blockage.
• No unauthorized administration of fluids or medication without veterinary instructions.

What does the vet do?

The vet will usually take the following steps:

• Administer tranquilizers: These reduce the horse's restlessness and make the examination easier.
• Insert a nasopharyngeal probe: A probe is used to introduce warm water or an electrolyte solution to carefully loosen the blockage.
• Use medication: In some cases, muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs are administered to relax the esophagus.
• Surgical intervention: If the blockage is particularly stubborn, an operation may be necessary.

The correct approach to a gullet blockage is essential in order to avoid long-term complications such as injuries to the esophagus or aspiration pneumonia.

Pharyngeal obstruction horse Cause

The development of throat blockage can be promoted by various factors, including

Feed-related causes

The most common causes of constipation in horses are often related to the horse's diet. 

• Dry or swelling feed: Feed such as pellets or beet pulp that has not been soaked sufficiently can swell up in the esophagus and cause a blockage.
• Hay and straw: Coarse-fibered feed that is not chewed sufficiently easily gets stuck in the gullet.

➡️ Video tip: What feed does my horse need? Dr. Patricia Sitzenstock explains why continuous feeding reduces the risk of intestinal problems, how to choose the right hay and which basic elements of feeding you should consider - for a happy and healthy horse!

Dental problems

Horses with inadequate dental care tend to chew their food poorly. As a result, large, insufficiently chewed amounts of feed enter the oesophagus and can block it.

➡️ Video tip Dental care for horses - prevention is the be-all and end-all! Dr. Carsten Vogt explains why regular dental check-ups are important, how dental treatment works and what makes the horse's teeth so special - for the optimal health of your horse!

Anatomical factors

• Scars or constrictions: Previous injuries or diseases of the esophagus can lead to constrictions that make it difficult for food to pass through.
• Age-related changes: Older horses are more susceptible to gullet blockages as the muscles of the oesophagus become weaker with age.

Hasty eating

Horses that eat very greedily tend to swallow large amounts of food quickly without chewing it sufficiently. This increases the risk of the horse choking or food getting stuck in the horse's gullet. In addition, foreign bodies that the horse swallows, such as small objects in the feed, can cause a blockage in the horse's oesophagus.

Horse gullet constipation symptoms

A blocked gullet in horses shows clear symptoms that can be recognized quickly. The most important signs of blockage of the oesophagus are

Horse Pharyngeal congestion Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a blockage in the horse's throat is based on a clinical examination and various diagnostic procedures. The vet will carry out the following measures to precisely localize the blockage and determine its cause:

Clinical examination

The first indications of a blocked gullet are the horse's symptoms. These include increased salivation, food escaping from the nose and mouth as well as visible restlessness or gagging movements.

Palpation of the neck

By palpating the throat area, the vet can often detect a blockage in the esophagus. This method is particularly useful if the blockage is in the upper part of the gullet.

Endoscopy

An endoscopy makes it possible to examine the inside of the esophagus. A camera probe is used to visualize the exact location and type of blockage. This is particularly helpful in determining whether it is food residue or a foreign body.

X-rays

In difficult cases, especially if narrowing or injury to the esophagus is suspected, X-rays may be necessary. They show the position of the blockage and provide indications of possible structural problems.

➡️ Video tipX-ray - the first step towards diagnosis! Carsten Rohde explains how X-rays work in equine medicine, what advantages and disadvantages they offer and why they are the No. 1 diagnostic imaging method - a look behind the scenes of modern diagnostic technology! 

Treatment of constipation in horses

The treatment of a blocked gullet in horses requires a careful and expert approach under veterinary guidance. The following methods are used:

Calming the horse

Horses that are very restless are usually given a tranquilizer. This serves to reduce stress and the risk of injury during the examination and treatment. Keeping the horse relaxed also makes further measures easier.

Rinsing of the esophagus

The vet uses a nasogastric tube to introduce warm water or an electrolyte solution into the esophagus. This technique helps to gently release the blockage and remove food residue or foreign bodies from the gullet.

Medication support

In some cases, anti-inflammatory medication or muscle relaxants are administered. These agents relax the muscles of the esophagus and facilitate the passage of the blockage.

Surgical interventions

If all other measures remain unsuccessful, surgical intervention is required. This option is only used in severe cases, as it carries an increased risk. The aim is to completely remove the blockage and keep the esophagus intact.

Horse pharyngeal constipation follow-up treatment

After treating a horse's gullet blockage, careful aftercare is crucial to promote recovery and prevent recurrent blockages. The most important measures are

• Gentle feeding: Give soft, easily digestible feed such as soaked pellets or mash to protect the oesophagus.
• Observation: Watch out for symptoms such as increased salivation, food coming out of the nose or gagging movements that could indicate renewed problems.
• Dental care: Have your horse's teeth checked regularly, as insufficiently cared for teeth are a frequent cause of throat blockages.
• Adapted feeding: Avoid coarse-fibered or swelling feed such as pellets or beet pulp that has not been soaked sufficiently. Offer smaller portions instead.
• Long-term monitoring: In cases of narrowing or scarring, it may be advisable to have the esophagus examined regularly by a veterinarian.

Risks and complications

Although a blocked gullet in horses is usually easily treatable, serious complications can occur, especially if the condition is not recognized or treated in time. Possible consequences and risks include

• Pneumonia after gavage blockage: Pneumonia in horses after gavage blockage is one of the most common and dangerous complications that must be treated immediately. Food particles that get into the lungs during obstruction or treatment can cause life-threatening pneumonia. This so-called aspiration pneumonia requires intensive veterinary care.
• Scarring: Repeated gullet blockages or prolonged blockages can lead to scarring in the esophagus. This scarring increases the risk of recurrent blockages.
• Narrowing of the esophagus: Chronic damage or repeated injuries can cause permanent narrowing of the esophagus, making it difficult for food to pass through.
• Damage to the esophagus: Improper treatment or prolonged blockages can severely damage the sensitive mucous membrane of the esophagus, which can lead to long-term problems.

To avoid these consequences, prompt and expert treatment and thorough aftercare are crucial.

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Avoid constipation in horses: Prevention

The best way to prevent a blocked gullet in horses is to feed and keep them carefully. With targeted measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of blockage of the oesophagus:

• Appropriate feeding: Feed such as beet pulp or pellets should always be soaked sufficiently before being offered to the horse. Regular provision of high quality hay and grass helps to minimize the risk. A healthy diet is crucial to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the horse's gullet.
• Dental care: Regular check-ups and professional corrections by the vet or dental experts ensure that the horse can chew food efficiently. Poor dental health is a common cause of gullet blockages. Regular dental check-ups ensure that the horse does not endanger its gullet with insufficiently chewed food.
• Encourage slow eating: Use automatic feeders or special anti-gulping devices to prevent hasty eating. This is particularly important for horses that tend to gulp down their food quickly.
• Stress reduction: Ensure a relaxed environment and clear feeding routines. Stress and restlessness can have a negative impact on feeding behavior and increase the risk of gullet blockage.

Conclusion

Although throat blockages are a common condition, they are also easily treatable if they are recognized in time. Horse owners should be aware of the signs and seek veterinary help immediately if constipation is suspected. Adapted feeding, regular dental care and stress-free management can effectively minimize the risk of gullet blockages. Well-informed management is the key to a healthy and happy horse.
Remember, untreated throat blockage in horses can be fatal. Quick action is therefore essential

FAQs on throat blockage in horses

What to do about constipation in horses

If you suspect a blocked throat in a horse, you should keep the animal calm and prevent it from continuing to eat or drink. Contact a vet immediately for professional treatment.

Is a blockage in the horse's throat fatal?

In severe cases, untreated throat obstruction in horses can be fatal. This is particularly true if feed particles enter the lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia.

How quickly do you notice a blocked throat in a horse?

The symptoms of gullet constipation usually occur immediately after eating. The most common signs include increased salivation, gagging movements, food coming out of the nose and restlessness.

What to feed after throat blockage in horses

After a gullet blockage, the horse should only be given soft, easily digestible feed such as soaked pellets or mash to protect the oesophagus.

Where to massage for throat blockage in horses

In some cases, gently massaging the horse's throat can help to release a blockage. However, this should only be done if the horse shows no signs of respiratory distress.

What helps with constipation in horses

Keep the horse calm, do not allow it to eat or drink and call a vet. Careful movement or massage of the neck area may help to release the blockage.

How to recognize a blocked throat in a horse

A blocked gullet in horses is characterized by symptoms such as increased salivation, food escaping from the nose and mouth, gagging and restlessness.

How dangerous is throat blockage in horses?

A blocked gullet can be dangerous for the horse, especially if it leads to complications such as pneumonia or injuries to the oesophagus.

Why does a horse get gullet constipation

The most common causes are hasty eating, insufficiently chewed food, unsuitable food such as swelling pellets or anatomical problems such as narrowing of the esophagus.

Can a horse with gullet constipation eat

No, a horse with gullet blockage can neither eat nor drink. Feeding should be stopped immediately to avoid the risk of complications.

When can a horse eat again after a throat blockage

After treatment of a blocked throat, the horse should not eat again until the vet gives the green light. Soft feed is usually recommended at first.

Can a horse with gullet constipation drink

No, a horse with gullet congestion should not drink as fluid can enter the lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia.

What to feed when a horse is prone to gullet constipation

Horses that are prone to throat blockages should only be given well-soaked feed such as mash or pellets. Coarse-fibered or swelling feed types should be avoided.

How quickly does a horse become constipated?

A blocked throat can occur within a few minutes after hasty eating or due to unsuitable feed. Quick action is crucial.