Changes

[[Image:Bovimpaction.gif|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>Impaction of a bovine oesophagus (Courtesy of Alun Williams (RVC))</center></small>]]

[[Image:Bovimpaction.gif|right|thumb|125px|<small><center>Impaction of a bovine oesophagus (Courtesy of Alun Williams (RVC))</center></small>]]

Oesophageal obstruction in cattle is a more serious condition than in the horse. Obstruction leads to failure to eructatate which may lead to bloat.  

Oesophageal obstruction in cattle is a more serious condition than in the horse. Obstruction leads to failure to eructatate which may lead to bloat. The clinical signs are similar to those seen in the horse including ptyalism, coughing, arching of the neck, dysphagia and nasal discharge.

An initial diagnosis of choke in any animal may be suspected if the above clinical signs are present with a history of acute onset pain and access to unsuitable food. If the obstruction has led to the accumulation of food material in the oesophagus, a mass may be palpable on the left ventrolateral aspect of the neck. Confirmation of the diagnosis may be achieved by the inability to pass a nasogastric tube or direct visualisation of the obstruction using endoscopy.

An initial diagnosis of choke in any animal may be suspected if the above clinical signs are present with a history of acute onset pain and access to unsuitable food. If the obstruction has led to the accumulation of food material in the oesophagus, a mass may be palpable on the left ventrolateral aspect of the neck. Confirmation of the diagnosis may be achieved by the inability to pass a nasogastric tube or direct visualisation of the obstruction using endoscopy.