Choke in horses primarily refers to what issue?

Choke in horses primarily refers to digestive blockages, specifically an obstruction in the esophagus. This condition occurs when food, foreign objects, or other materials become lodged, preventing normal swallowing and leading to distress for the horse. Signs of choke include excessive drooling, difficulty eating, coughing, or signs of discomfort.

Understanding this condition is vital for horse owners and handlers as it requires prompt assessment and treatment by a veterinarian to prevent more serious complications, such as aspiration pneumonia or severe dehydration. The other options do not pertain to choke; respiratory problems involve issues within the airways, heart conditions affect circulation and cardiac function, and neurological disorders pertain to the nervous system. Each of these areas is distinct from the digestive blockage that defines choke in horses.