So yesterday I had my daughter's 6th yr B-day party at my house with all of her cousins and class mates. Pony gave everyone rides and was a total angel. Anyway, about 10pm last night I called him in from pasture. I always give a little handful of grain on the ground when he comes in, so he WILL come in. They know when they come running in they get a treat. So within seconds he's choking, severely! I watch for about 15min and it is getting worse. Copious amounts of discharge from the nose and mouth. Well, vet was called. $225 just to come see him!!!!! $500 later I have a pony that has a very high chance of developing pneumonia as he was not doing well after the obstruction was dislodged. Rapid breathing, severe coughing, whole body tremors. I immediately thought , reaction to anesthetic. They however they are telling me since the obstruction was so high in the esophagus that he had a high chance of inhaling debris and saliva. So bottom line, he is on antibiotics orally after receiving injectables last night. He is also on Banamine. They were here for 3 hrs basically just watching his breathing and coughing. I'm hoping he was just stressed or combination of that and a little reaction to the Zylazine, and that was causing the rapid breathing. This morning I took his temp and it was normal, 101. He also slightly nickered for hay when I got some for the other animals. However he is very quiet slightly depressed. Docs seem to think by Monday I should have a pretty good idea where we are at with the pneumonia. They also told me that when horses get pneumonia the prognosis is poor. Even with IV fluids/hospitalization/injectable antibiotics, which is not an option$$ for me. So any help or experiences you have to share would be great. Oh yeah, my stove died yesterday also. Looks like I'm cooking over the fire for a while!!!
Thanks Heather

Oh Heather - I am so sorry for you - what an awful end to a wonderful day. Hope he comes around.
B.

Heather, that's a really traumatic experience. I know what choke is...sheep do it, its very scary. I hope your pony pulls through.

Janet

When it rains it pours. Sorry for the run of bad luck you seem to be experiencing. Here's hoping it turns around quickly for you and your pony.

Sorry to hear about the pony.

I've had to deal with choke a few times. The bad news is usually once they develope it, they are prone to it.

Best wish's for a full recovery.

Sorry to hear of his troubles. The good thing is the pony in him is much more durable than any 4 horses. KM

I've dealt with choke twice. On one the horse dislodged it itself. That horse had a tendancy to bolt her feed and I was young and stupid and thought she needed grain. The other I had the Vet out. Mostly because I was getting ready to bring my horse home from a trainers and wanted it completely cleared before I loaded up and hit the road. It's VERY scarey to watch them choke. I remember watching both for complications but none happened. Think positive!