IN 2022, the first large-scale study of the procedure known as the ‘Madigan Squeeze Technique’ confirmed that the physical compression procedure helps new-born foals with neonatal maladjustment syndrome (or ‘dummy’ foals) recover more quickly than those treated with only medication (also works on calves).

John Madigan is a distinguished professor emeritus of medicine and epidemiology at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and he developed the squeeze technique after years of research into how neonatal maladjustment syndrome develops. The technique, which involves wrapping a foal’s upper torso with loops of soft rope and applying pressure for 20 minutes, replicates the compression a foal experiences during birth.

Oxygen deprivation

Dr Kelly Harrison-Tait MRCVS explains: “Traditionally, oxygen deprivation to the brain is thought to be the reason for this neonatal maladjustment syndrome, resulting in brain damage and inadequate blood supply to the nerve cells. Oxygen deprivation can result from the placenta coming away abruptly from the uterus before foaling, prolonged labour, prematurity, sepsis and swelling of the brain, among other causes.

“Another, newer consideration is failure of the foal’s mental state to evolve from sleepiness within the uterus to consciousness at birth, which normally occurs as the foal travels through the birth canal. The squeezing effect of the canal halts the release of neurosteroids. These keep the foal in a state of unconsciousness in the uterus; if no signal is received to stop their production they continue to be emitted, preventing the foal from becoming fully conscious as he emerges.”

Dummy signs

The Madigan Squeeze is a procedure that can be used on a foal displaying dummy signs in an effort to recreate the natural transition to consciousness. A rope is secured around the foal by looping it around the chest several times. Tension is then applied to mimic the pressures implemented by the birth canal during the foal’s journey from the uterus to the outside world, and at the same time the foal is helped to lie down. The rope is held for 20 minutes, the duration that the mare would be in second-stage labour. During this time, the foal becomes drowsy and lies asleep within the rope.

Normal consciousness

“At the point the rope is released, the foal awakens” Harrison-Tait explains, “and, if the procedure has been successful, displays normal consciousness – usually going straight to the dam to drink. With these foals who have responded well to the technique, the prognosis is excellent as the sedative effect from the neurosteroids has been switched off.”

Unfortunately, according to Harrison-Tait, the Madigan Squeeze will not work on those who have suffered from oxygen deficiency injury to the brain, although attempting the method will do no harm. The only caveat is that the foal is first checked carefully for evidence of rib fractures; if injury is detected, it is not safe to squeeze the foal. Always seek veterinary guidance.