Changes

===Diagnosis===

===Diagnosis===

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 although this may be difficult to detect in the adult cow. Confirmation of the diagnosis may be achieved by the inability to pass a nasogastric tube or direct visualisation of the obstruction using endoscopy.

 

===Treatment===

===Treatment===

In cattle, rumenal bloat caused by the obstruction is an emergency and requires immediate treatment. This is achieved by trocharisation through the left paralumbar fossa. Once the bloat has been relieved, the obstruction may be manually broken down via percutaneous massage, or may resolve spontaneously due to the large volume of saliva present.

In cattle, rumenal bloat caused by the obstruction is an emergency and requires immediate treatment. This is achieved by trocharisation through the left paralumbar fossa. Once the bloat has been relieved, the obstruction may be manually broken down via percutaneous massage, or may resolve spontaneously due to the large volume of saliva present.

===Prognosis===

===Prognosis===

In the horse, the prognosis for a complete recovery after an episode of choke is good. Possible recurrence of an obstruction may be avoided by withholding dry food for 72 hours. Initially, fluids only should be offered, folllowed by gradual introduction of soft foods such as bran mash. Small amounts of hay or haylage may be added gradually. Following treatment of the impaction, it may be beneficial to perform an endoscopic exam of the oesophagus. This aids in identifying any areas of inflammation or ulceration that may require further treatment.

In the horse, the prognosis for a complete recovery after an episode of choke is good. Possible recurrence of an obstruction may be avoided by withholding dry food for 72 hours. Initially, fluids only should be offered, folllowed by gradual introduction of soft foods such as bran mash. Small amounts of hay or haylage may be added gradually. Following treatment of the impaction, it may be beneficial to perform an endoscopic exam of the oesophagus. This aids in identifying any areas of inflammation or ulceration that may require further treatment.

===References===

===References===

 

[[Category:Oesophagus_-_Pathology]][[Category:Cattle]][[Category:Horse]][[

[[Category:Oesophagus_-_Pathology]][[Category:Cattle]][[Category:Horse]][[