Survey of Veterinarians Using a Novel Physical Compression Squeeze Procedure in the Management of Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome in Foals.
Authors: Aleman Monica, Weich Kalie M, Madigan John E
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
Neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS) in foals—characterised by poor maternal bonding, environmental awareness deficits, and neurological abnormalities—has traditionally been attributed to birth hypoxia, though recent evidence implicates persistent high concentrations of in utero neurosteroids as a contributing factor. Aleman and colleagues surveyed veterinarians' clinical experiences with a novel non-invasive intervention: applying sustained thoracic compression for 20 minutes to affected neonates, hypothesising that labour-induced squeezing triggers a direct neural reflex response that facilitates the neurochemical transition to extrauterine consciousness. Practitioners reported that foals receiving the squeeze procedure achieved full recovery significantly faster than those managed with conventional medical therapy alone, with treatment outcomes suggesting this adjunctive approach may accelerate the natural resolution of NMS. Beyond improved animal welfare and faster foal-mare bonding, the technique offers substantial economic benefits by reducing hospitalisation duration and associated veterinary costs—factors that sometimes lead owners to pursue euthanasia as an alternative. For equine practitioners, this survey provides practical evidence that a simple, non-pharmacological intervention warrants consideration within NMS management protocols, though further controlled research would strengthen recommendations regarding patient selection and optimal application parameters.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Consider a 20-minute thoracic compression procedure as an adjunctive non-invasive treatment for foals displaying NMS symptoms, potentially accelerating recovery and reducing hospitalization duration
- •NMS should be evaluated as a neurohormonal condition related to birth transition processes rather than solely as a hypoxic-ischemic injury, which may inform treatment approaches
- •Implementing the squeeze procedure could help preserve more foals by reducing costs and improving outcomes, particularly valuable in cases where owners might otherwise elect euthanasia
Key Findings
- •A 20-minute physical compression (squeeze) procedure applied to the thorax of neonatal foals with NMS resulted in faster full recovery compared to routine medical therapy alone
- •NMS is associated with persistence of high concentrations of in utero neuromodulating hormones (neurosteroids) in the postnatal period, not exclusively caused by hypoxia and ischemia
- •The squeeze procedure may improve animal welfare by hastening recovery and foal-mare bonding while reducing hospitalization costs that sometimes lead to euthanasia decisions