Madigan Foal Squeeze

About the Madigan Foal Squeeze

The Madigan squeeze technique is a non-pharmacological method used to help foals with dummy foal syndrome, also known as neonatal maladjustment syndrome. It involves applying gentle pressure to the foal's thorax using a rope to mimic the birth canal pressures, which can help stimulate normal neurological function and wakefulness.

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How it works:

• A soft rope is looped around the foal's chest and pulled, creating pressure.

• This pressure is maintained for about 20 minutes, mimicking the duration of the second stage of labour in mares.

• During this time, the foal usually lies down and becomes sleepy.

• When the pressure is released, the foal often awakens and exhibits normal behaviour, such as nursing.

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Why it's used:

 Dummy foals (with neonatal maladjustment syndrome) often have elevated levels of neurosteroids that cause sedation and lethargy.

The Madigan squeeze helps to reduce these levels and can stimulate the foal's natural waking mechanisms.

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It's a safe and effective method for helping foals overcome the effects of dummy foal syndrome.

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Important considerations:

• The Madigan squeeze is generally safe, but it's crucial to ensure the foal doesn't have any injuries, especially rib fractures, before applying the technique.

• It may be necessary to repeat the squeeze multiple times in some cases.

• The technique is not recommended for foals with hypoxic brain injury.

 

In summary, the Madigan squeeze technique is a useful tool for helping foals with dummy foal syndrome by replicating the natural pressure experienced during birth, which can help to stimulate the foal's waking mechanism and improve neurological function.

 

Help UC Davis with their research and fill in the survey

• Take the survey here: [ https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M3J2P32 ]

• Estimated time: ~6 minutes

 

Who should participate?

• Veterinarians who have used, observed, or recommended the Madigan Squeeze

• Breeders and farm managers who have applied the technique

• Horse owners who have used or witnessed its effects

 

Your responses will help shape an upcoming report on neonatal foal care, which we’ll share with the broader equine community.

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Please feel free to share the survey link with your network of equine professionals. Your contribution is vital to the continued advancement of equine neonatal health.

 

Thank you for your support and dedication to foal care.

Best regards,
Monica Aleman, MVZ, PhD, DACVIM-Neurology, Professor
John Madigan, DVM, MS, DACVIM, Distinguished Professor
UC Davis – School of Veterinary Medicine
madigansqueeze@gmail.com