Dummy Foals

Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome, AKA “Dummy foals”, is a term used is used to describe a variety of behavioral disturbances in a newborn foal. Affected foals show abnormal behaviors with signs including a poor suckle reflex, incoordination, weakness, wandering aimlessly or display more serious clinical signs like seizures. These signs may be evident at birth, or develop within the first 24 hours of birth.

The “Madigan Squeeze Technique” is a technique developed to reenact the birthing process by applying pressure to the ribcage using ropes. The squeeze acts to simulate the physical pressure of the birth canal and ‘reset” the foal’s brain function.

How to perform:

1. Tie a bowline knot and make a fixed loop so that the rope will slide through like a honda on a lariat.

2. Starting at the foal’s withers, place the rope across the neck and between the front legs. Bring the end of the rope back up to withers.

3. Thread the end of the rope through the fixed loop and adjust to a snug fit so there is pressure on the chest but no airway obstruction.

4. Pass the rope over the foal and make a half-hitch. Snug the rope just behind the elbow where a cinch would go on a saddle.

5. Pass the rope over the foal’s ribcage again about 6 inches back from the first half hitch and snug it up.

6. Have the assistant hold the foal. Position yourself behind the foal and apply a steady pressure by pulling on the rope. Gradually increase the pressure until the foal begins to lay down.

7. Keep the same pressure (about 10-20 lbs) on the foal when it lies down and maintain it for the 20-minute duration of the squeeze.

8. At the end of the 20-minute squeeze, release pressure on the rope and allow the foal to stay down or get up as it chooses. Slowly move the rope away from the foal. Do not force the foal to get up. Let the foal sleep more if it wants. Allow the foal to do whatever it wants and observe.Please DO NOT perform this if the foal has never stood or has any of the following: a rib fracture, respitory distress or congenital abnormalities.

Dr. Krystal Eddis