Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital

31/05/2026

Tom Peacock speaks to stud master Michael Hickey about his Derby-winning resident

10/05/2026

The Oliver McKiernan-trained Somersby Roost opened her account under Rules in no uncertain manner in division one of the Farm And Industrial Spares Mallow Handicap Hurdle at Cork. Lady Bluebird made a bold bid from the front in this 2m3f event but was reeled in as Somersby Roost made smooth headway....

10/05/2026

Billy Lee was seen to great effect when completing a 112/1 treble aboard Truth Be Told in the Leopardstown Golf, Padel, Range Handicap.

02/05/2026

29/04/2026

Well done Ross and all the team today

29/04/2026

Have you heard of the Madigan Squeeze?

The Madigan foal squeeze is a veterinarian-performed technique that uses a soft rope arranged in a specific way to apply steady, snug pressure around a newborn foal’s chest/ribcage. Many foals respond to this firm pressure by lying down (“flopping”) and entering a quiet, sleep-like state (slow-wave sleep).

It’s used as an aid for foals with neonatal maladjustment syndrome (“dummy foal”), and it’s also used in healthy foals (typically < 3 days old) to make procedures like plasma administration, ultrasound exams, or other minor procedures easier and less stressful. The squeeze is usually maintained for about 20 minutes (generally limited to 20–30 minutes) while the foal’s breathing, heart rate, and mucous membrane color are monitored.

After the squeeze, the rope is released, and the foal is allowed to stay down or get up on its own. For maladjusted foals, the team then observes alertness and nursing behavior; in some cases, the squeeze may be repeated every 2–4 hours if needed.

Important safety note: this is not anesthesia, and a foal can arouse and kick, so it should only be done by skilled clinicians. It’s not recommended with suspected rib fractures, respiratory distress, septic shock, severe prematurity with floppy chests, severe neuromuscular disease affecting breathing, or congenital anomalies.

If you have questions or concerns about your own foal, contact your veterinarian.

📸 Photo courtesy of Pine Ridge Equine Hospital