Madigan Squeeze
Technique

The Madigan Squeeze Technique helps speed up the healing process from Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome. This syndrome, defined by John Madigan, is characterized by abnormal behavior of the newborn foal : absence of the sucking reflex, disinterest in the mother, agitation or depression, vocalization, convulsion, ...

In the United States, we speak of " Dummy Foal Syndrom " because the foal does not seem to really understand that it has just been born. Often, these foals are brought to clinic, probed and perfused with a low chance of survival.

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In the mare's belly, the foal secretes a hormone that keeps it in a stage of relative lethargy. During foaling, as it passes through the mare's pelvic canal, the pressure exerted on its body sends a message to the brain to stop the production of this hormone. However, on quick foaling , obstructed (Red bag for example) or cesarean sections, this message is not transmitted properly and the hormone continues to be produced once the foal is born.

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The Madigan squeeze technique therefore consists in reproducing its pressures by tying a rope at the level of the rib cage of the foal, then by applying pressure, the foal immediately falls asleep. The pressure should be maintained for 20 min, then release. The results are spectacular.

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This method does not present any risk for the foal since his body instantly understands the message which sent him. It can save a newborn by avoiding heavy drug treatment both physically and psychologically for the mother, her foal and their breeder.