Oesophageal obstruction, commonly referred to as 'choke', is an emergency condition in horses caused by the acute obstruction of the oesophagus by impacted, dry ingesta. It usually occurs during or briefly following feeding time at horse stables. Horses presenting with 'choke' are usually observed in a distressed behavioral state with copious reflex of a combination of saliva, ingesta and fluid coming out of the nostrils and mouth.

Ingestion of inadequately soaked sugar beet pulp can cause 'choke' in horses, as the dry fibrous material swells with the absorption of saliva in the oesophagus. The expanding bolus occludes the oesophageal lumen and subsequent boluses compound the obstruction.