Help Advance Neonatal Foal Care – Share Your Experience with the Madigan Squeeze Technique

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 Have you used the Madigan Squeeze Technique on neonatal foals? Dr. Monica Aleman and Dr John Madigan of UC Davis are inviting veterinarians, breeders, farm managers, and horse owners to share their experiences as part of a vital study aimed at improving outcomes for foals with Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (“dummy foal”).

Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (NMS) is a condition seen in newborn foals that affects their behaviour and awareness. Foals with NMS may not recognise or bond with their mother, may not suckle normally, and can seem disoriented. More seriously affected foals may develop seizures. NMS was once thought to be caused by lack of oxygen during birth, but recent research suggests it may also be linked to high levels of calming hormones (neurosteroids) that usually decrease after birth but sometimes remain too high.

 

The Madigan Squeeze Technique, developed by Dr. Madigan, involves applying steady pressure using soft ropes wrapped in 3–4 loops around the foal’s chest and rib cage for approximately 20 minutes. This mimics the natural birth process and is believed to reduce neurosteroid levels that keep foals in a subdued, sleep-like state in utero. The foal typically lies down and enters a calm, trance-like state, then awakens more alert—often with improved responsiveness.

 

Drs. Aleman and Madigan are collecting real-world data on the technique’s effectiveness and application. Whether you’ve experienced remarkable recoveries, faced challenges, or simply observed how the technique worked, your insights are essential.

 

“Your experiences - whether as a veterinarian, breeder, farm manager, or horse owner - are invaluable in helping us assess how widely the technique is used and how effective it has been,” they note.

 

By contributing, you'll help shape a forthcoming report on neonatal foal care that will be shared with the broader equine community - advancing research and potentially improving foal survival rates worldwide.

 

 

Take the survey here:

 

 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M3J2P32 

Is faecal microbiota transplantation useful for treating diarrhoea in foals?

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 Diarrhoea is a common problem in foals under 6 months of age. 

There are many causes, or combination of causes, including infectious, managerial, and environmental factors.  

Foal diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and, in severe cases, systemic infections. In such cases, it can become life-threatening.

 

Diarrhoea and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) in foals are interconnected conditions that demand immediate attention. While diarrhoea is a frequent occurrence, it can escalate to SIRS, particularly when associated with severe infections or when significant dehydration and systemic stress occur.

 

A common contributor to diarrhoea in foals is dysbiosis, or a disruption in the normal intestinal microbiota. Could restoring this microbial balance be a potential solution for managing this potentially fatal condition? 

 

Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been used in adult horses to reduce diarrhoea and improve alpha diversity, a measure of the variety of microbial species within an individual’s gut.

 

A recent study in Australia, published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, explored the effects of FMT in foals with diarrhoea and SIRS. The study, led by Jillian Bell, involved clinicians from three equine veterinary hospitals. It included 25 foals under six months of age with diarrhoea and SIRS who were admitted for treatment.

 

In the randomised, placebo-controlled cohort study, 19 foals were enrolled in the FMT group, while 9 were in the control group. The treatment groups received either FMT or an electrolyte solution once daily for three days. Researchers collected faecal samples from the foals on days 0 (D0), D1, D2, D3, and D7 to monitor changes.

 

The FMT solution was prepared 15 minutes prior to treatment. from fresh manure collected from healthy donor horses (previously screened for pathogenic agents). About 300 g of manure was blended with 1 L of warm chlorinated water (95°F) for 30 to 60 seconds, then strained through a wire strainer or gauze into a clean container.

 

The study found that FMT was associated with improvements in some clinical signs and certain clinicopathological parameters. FMT had no significant impact on survival rates (P = 0.3) or the resolution of diarrhoea (P = 0.4). Foals receiving FMT, however, showed a significantly lower heart rate, white blood cell (WBC) count, and packed cell volume (PCV), as well as higher serum chloride concentrations, compared to pretreatment values and the control group. Notably, on Day 3, the WBC count in the FMT group was significantly lower than in the control group (P = 0.04), and heart rate decreased over time in the FMT group.

 

Additionally, although three foals initially in the control group were later transferred to the FMT group, diarrhoea resolved in two of them after FMT treatment.

 

FMT was also associated with a greater diversity in the gut microbiota, with enrichment of beneficial bacteria such as the phylum Verrucomicrobiota, genus Akkermansia, and family Prevotellaceae. Previous studies have shown that Akkermansia is linked to the maintenance of the mucin layer in the intestines and can reduce bowel inflammation in humans. Members of the Prevotellaceae family have been associated with anti-inflammatory effects and improved intestinal health.

 

The authors concluded that FMT appears to be a safe treatment for foals with diarrhoea and can lead to some clinical and microbiota changes that suggest beneficial effects. 

 

However, further research is needed to confirm its impact on survival and long-term outcomes in affected foals.

 

For more details, see: 

 

Bell J,  Raidal SL,  Cuming RS,  Trope G,  Hughes KJ.  

Effects of fecal microbiota transplantation on clinical outcomes and fecal microbiota of foals with diarrhea. 

J Vet Intern Med.  2024; 38(5): 2718-2728.

https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.17185

Optimising Youngstock Growth and Development

 An international panel focused on "Optimising Youngstock Growth and Development" at the Gerald Leigh Lectures on June 12, 2024. 

Organized by the Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust on behalf of the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust, the event honours Mr. Leigh’s accomplishments as a racehorse owner and breeder and his dedication to scientific knowledge and horse welfare. The speakers included experts from the UK, USA, and Europe.

 

Key topics included:

·      Influence of prenatal maternal and environmental factors on foal athletic potential (Pascale Chavatte-Palmer, France)

·      Seasonal effects on mare and foal nutrition (Joe Pagan, USA)

·      Overview of foal purchase at public auctions (Jamie Railton)

·      Parasite resistance on UK stud farms and parasite control strategies (Professor Jacqui Matthews and Paul Overton)

·      Sustainable equine helminth control (Professor Jacqui Matthews)

·      Surgical solutions for limb deformities (Abigail Kent)

·      Raising foals for optimal performance (Dr. Rebecca Mouncey)

·      A stud manager's approach to soundness (Julian Dollar)

·      Balancing youngstock growth and development (Joe Pagan).

 

To watch recordings of the lectures (and those from previous years) go to:

 

https://www.beaufortcottage.com/news-events/category/gerald-leigh-memorial-lectures/

Lyophilized colostrum: a viable alternative for foals?

 Colostrum is essential for a foal to have a good start in life. The first milk produced by mammals
after giving birth, colostrum is rich in antibodies, growth factors, and nutrients essential for newborn development. Foals require good quality colostrum in the first hours of life to ensure an adequate transfer of passive immunity.

Stud farms often maintain a supply of high-quality colostrum by collecting and freezing some from donor mares.

However, individual mare owners have more limited options. Commercial products like dried colostrum powder, usually made from processed cow colostrum, can provide some level of IgG to foals, but are generally not considered equivalent to mare colostrum in terms of quality and effectiveness.

 

Further research and development of equine-specific colostrum products, including lyophilized (freeze-dried) mare colostrum, may offer better alternatives for ensuring foal health and immunity.

 

Research by Thatyane Carla de Lima and colleagues, in Brazil, compared the quality of equine colostrum after freezing and lyophilisation, evaluating IgG concentration (using Simple Radial Immunodiffusion, SRID, and Brix refractometry) and the physicochemical characteristics of equine colostrum post-freezing and lyophilization. A report of their work is published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science

 

Thirty-one pregnant Quarter Horse mares participated in the study. Colostrum collected from these mares was divided into two samples: one for freezing and one for lyophilization. 

 

The research team measured the IgG concentration of both frozen and lyophilized colostrum by SRID, (the reference standard test), and Brix refractometry (a technique widely used for estimating colostrum quality in cattle.)   

 

Additionally, they evaluated properties such as pH, total protein (TP), fat, lactose, salts, total solids (TS), and density. They also tested the effect of reconstitution on the lyophilized colostrum.

 

They found no significant differences (P > 0.05) in IgG, fat, lactose, salts, TS, density, and pH between colostrum samples before and after lyophilization. Lyophilization resulted in a minor reduction (6.55%) in IgG concentration as measured by SRID.

 

 However, they did find a significant difference in the average Brix score and total protein, indicating that lyophilization alters some colostrum characteristics.

 

The results suggest lyophilization as a viable method for mare colostrum conservation, to ensure foals receive the essential nutrients and antibodies for a healthy start. It offers practical benefits, including long-term storage without refrigeration and easy transportation.

 

The authors suggest that further research, such as in vivo studies to evaluate the product's acceptance and the absorption of immunoglobulins, is recommended. 

 

For more details, see:

de Lima TC, de Sobral GG, de França Queiroz AES, et al.

Characterization of lyophilized equine colostrum. 

J Equine Vet Sci. 2024;132:104975. 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104975

New research projects receive funding

 Morris Animal Foundation has provided funding for seven new research projects focused on
equine health. These studies aim to address various equine health issues, including contagious upper respiratory disease, and sepsis in foals. 

The research initiatives receiving support are as follows:

 

• Impact of cyproheptadine on blood variables and clinical signs of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) in Horses. (Dr. Nicholas Frank, Mississippi State University) 

• Development of an effective intramuscular vaccine against strangles, based on the "S" protein of Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (SEE). (Dr. Noah Cohen, Texas A&M University.)

• A novel diagnostic test for Equine Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID).( Dr. Dianne McFarlane, University of Florida )

• Increasing understanding of foal sepsis and potential new treatment options (Dr. Katarzyna Dembek, North Carolina State University)

• Examination of a faecal-based test to aid in the diagnosis of gastric ulcers in horses (Dr. Canaan M. Whitfield-Cargile, University of Georgia)

• A study of remote behavioural and physiologic monitoring to assess changes in equine discomfort behaviours and their association with epidural morphine administration. (Dr. Hope Douglas, University of Pennsylvania)

• Investigation into drugs targeting the non-structural protein 4 of African Horse Sickness (Dr. Constantinos Kurt Wibmer, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa )

 

Dr. Kathy Tietje, Chief Program Officer at Morris Animal Foundation, expressed excitement about supporting these projects, which aim to advance equine health and welfare through innovative research. The studies are scheduled to commence in the current year, contributing valuable insights to improve equid health and well-being.

For more about Morris Animal Foundation, see:

 morrisanimalfoundation.org

Antibiotic use in equine practices in the UK

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Equine vets are not doing enough to limit the development of antimicrobial resistance, according to a recent study.

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant and growing threat to human and animal health. Once antimicrobial resistance develops, it can result in treatment failure in veterinary patients and risks transferring resistant bacteria to people.

 

The study, by Sarah Allen and colleagues, set out to monitor antimicrobial use in equids in the UK. It was conducted as part of the VetCompass programme at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and was funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

 

The researchers used anonymised electronic health record data from 64,322 horses, ponies and donkeys in the year 2018, supplied by 39 veterinary practices. They analysed both the prescription data and clinical notes documented within these records.

 

Their findings highlighted that in 2018, approximately 20% of equids attended by the participating veterinary practices were prescribed an antimicrobial licensed for systemic administration.  Potentiated sulphonamides were the most commonly prescribed class of antibacterial agent. 

 

However, nearly nine per cent of treated equids received a Category B antimicrobial. The use of these agents, such as quinolones, 3rd- and 4th-generation cephalosporins and polymyxins, is restricted to try to ensure they remain effective for treating serious illness in human medicine.

 

Bacteriological culture and sensitivity testing was found to be rarely employed, despite its importance in protecting against antimicrobial resistance, by identifying the most appropriate antimicrobial to use. Fewer than one in five antimicrobial courses that included a Category B antimicrobial were supported by culture and sensitivity testing.

 

The study also identified several important risk factors for increased antimicrobial usage.  The research team found that the highest usage groups of Category B antimicrobials were equids under one year old, Thoroughbreds and racehorses. 

 

Meanwhile, the most common disorders that were treated with antimicrobials were urogenital (urinary and genital tracts), integumentary (skin and gland organs) and respiratory (airways, lungs and blood vessels) conditions.

 

Dr Allen said “The surveillance of equine antimicrobial usage helps the veterinary profession demonstrate their commitment to the responsible prescribing of antibiotics in the horse. We hope that by reporting on how commonly antimicrobials are prescribed to horses, and demonstrating where stewardship may be improved, others will look to compare and better their own prescribing of these vital medicines.

 

She suggests that more needs to be done to encourage the use of culture and sensitivity testing prior to treatment, especially when Category B antimicrobials are concerned. This will help ensure they remain effective and will reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance developing.

 

For more details, see:

 

Use of antimicrobials licensed for systemic administration in UK equine practice

Sarah E. Allen, Kristien L. P. Verheyen, Dan G. O'Neill, Dave C. Brodbelt

Equine Vet J (2022)

 

https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13878

Can probiotics help reduce parasite shedding in foals?

Probiotics are frequently added to horses’ diets with the goal of promoting a healthy microbial environment in the intestinal tract. But does their use have any effect on the worm burden in the gut?

 Research by Dr Robert Jacobs and colleagues at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center suggests that giving probiotics to foals may reduce the number of intestinal parasites they carry.

 

The research was presented at the 2021 virtual Equine Science Symposium. An abstract is published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

 

Twenty-nine quarter horse foals took part in the study over three consecutive foaling seasons.  Fifteen foals chosen at random were given a probiotic paste twice daily for eight days starting two days after being born. Fourteen foals received no probiotic.

 

(Each dose of probiotic paste contained 2.5 × 109 cfu each of B. subtilis, B. infantis, and L. acidophilus.)

 

The groups were managed similarly – being fed twice daily and being turned out into dry lots during the day.

 

When the foals were 150 days old, the researchers collected faecal samples. The foals had not received any anthelmintic before then. 

 

Analysis showed that “foals in the treatment group had fewer strongyle (1.07 vs 4.57/gm of feces; P = 0.02) and roundworm eggs (101.33 vs 216.00/gm of feces; P = 0.01) than those from the control group.”

 

The authors conclude “that the administration of the probiotic paste to otherwise identically managed groups of foals may reduce their overall parasite load. “

 

They suggest that “further research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which this is occurring and to determine if these effects persist.”

 

For more details, see:

 

Probiotic administration post-foaling may reduce parasite shedding in foals

R.D.Jacobs, M.L.Jerina, B.A.Tremayne

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (2021)

Volume 100, May 2021, 103565

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103565

Is your mare due to foal?

Researchers at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Canada, would like your help.

They are investigating how umbilical cord variations relate to  foal health. In particular, they are interested in the length of the cord, and the number and type of twists present in it. 

In light horses, the umbilical cord is usually between 30 and 80 cm long and may be twisted a few times. Excessively long cords, or those with numerous twists, may limit blood flow and affect the foal’s health.

 

Dr. Madison Ricard, a veterinary anatomic pathology resident, who is leading the study, is looking for owners of pregnant mares to take part in the research. 

 

Participation in the study will involve measuring the length of the umbilical cord after foaling and taking a photo of the umbilical cord. 

 

Information will be recorded about the mare, the foaling process, and the foal’s health at birth. There will be follow up surveys regarding the foal’s health at 7 and 30 days after birth.

 

To participate in the study, or for more details, go to:

https://wcvm-equs.ca

Fragile Foal Syndrome not confined to Warmbloods

 Fragile Foal Syndrome (FFS) is a lethal genetic disease of connective tissue which has been reported most frequently
in Warmbloods. However, a recent study has found that the genetic defect responsible is present across a range of other breeds. 

Affected foals are typically aborted during late gestation or born as non-viable foals. If alive at birth, they tend to have problems such as fragile skin, skin defects, hyperextension of the joints and difficulty breathing, and generally require euthanasia within days.

 

FFS has been shown to be an autosomal recessive genetic condition. Carrier animals with one copy of the defective gene (PLOD 1 c.2032 G>A) will be normal, but if mated with another carrier may produce an affected foal.

 

It is now known that the condition is not confined to Warmblood horses.  

 

Research by Katie Martin and colleagues at Etalon diagnostics (a company that offers genetic testing), together with Dr Samantha Brooks at the University of Florida Gainesville and Dr Scott Mclure, of Midwest Equine, Iowa, found that the genetic defect occurs across other horse populations.

 

The team examined samples from 7343 horses from various breeds or type of horse.

The defective gene occurred in 5.32% of Warmblood type horses.  In other affected breeds it was less than 1%. They found no sign of the defect in Arabians, Iberian or Thoroughbreds.

 

Studies of the frequency of the defect in aborted or stillborn foals are lacking, so

the potential economic effect of FFS on the horse breeding industry is not known.

 

The researchers suggest that pre-breeding testing should be used to inform the breeding program – avoiding breeding two carriers, together to reduce the frequency of the FFS gene in the population, and reduce the number of lost pregnancies.

 

 

For more details, see:

 

Fragile Foal Syndrome (PLOD1 c.2032G>A) occurs across diverse horse populations

Katie Martin, Samantha Brooks, Micaela Vierra, W. Tyler Lafayette, Scott McClure, Meredith Carpenter and Christa Lafayette

Animal Genetics (2021) vol 52, p137.

https://doi.org/10.1111/age.13020

New equine rotavirus implicated in foal diarrhoea

Researchers at the University of Kentucky’s Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory have made a preliminary identification of a novel rotavirus associated with diarrhoea in very young foals.

Foals often develop diarrhoea in the first two weeks of life.  Many cases respond well to routine treatment but some may develop life-threatening dehydration within a matter of hours.

 

This year, some farms in Kentucky have reported an increased number of cases of diarrhoea in young foals. 

 

The new rotavirus, identified by the scientists at the University of Kentucky, could not be detected using current diagnostic tests for equine Rotavirus A and appears to be different to the virus strain used in the currently available commercial vaccine.

 

Further work is underway to better characterise the virus and determine its role in the current outbreak of diarrheal disease. Additional investigations are also underway at UK to identify other possible causes, and researchers are sending out an epidemiological survey to farms to better understand the outbreak.

 

A test for the virus is now available. "We have now developed a real-time PCR assay to detect this new equine rotavirus B in fecal specimens," noted Dr Craig Carter, Director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

 

Both the Gluck Center and the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab recommend strict biosecurity protocols as the best protection strategy at this time.

 

For more information, see:

 

 http://news.ca.uky.edu/article/uk-gluck-center-and-industry-leaders-responding-uptick-foal-diarrhea-cases.

Atypical myopathy toxins found in mare's milk

 Research shows that the toxins responsible for Atypical Myopathy can pass to the mare’s milk. This can present a potential risk to the foal and may have human health implications in places where mare’s milk is drunk in preference to cow’s milk.

A case of atypical myopathy was identified in a mare and newborn foal in Germany. The mare had been grazing pasture close to Acer pseudoplatanus trees (sycamore or sycamore maple).

 

Johannes Sander and co-workers in Hannover, investigated the case.  A report of the work is published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

 

The authors analysed a sample of the mare's milk for hypoglycin A, the main toxin responsible for atypical myopathy, and other metabolites.

 

They also examined samples of commercially available frozen mare’s milk (for human consumption) from six different suppliers across Germany.

 

The researchers found low levels hypoglycin A and significant levels of metabolites (methylenecyclopropylformyl glycine and carnitine)in the milk from the affected mare. High levels of acylcarnitines, (indicators of the metabolic damage caused by atypical myopathy), were also found. The authors point out that the milk sample was collected two days after the mare had been removed from the contaminated pasture, and suggest that the levels of metabolites in the sample indicate that hypoglycine A levels would likely have been higher at the time the foal was nursing. 

 

Methylenecyclopropylformyl glycine and carnitine were also detected in one of the six samples of commercial mares’ milk.

 

The authors conclude that maple toxins can pass through mare's milk.

 

They also warn that their findings have relevance in human health. Seeds and unripe fruit of plants such as ackee and lychee contain similar toxins, and may present a risk to breast fed children.

 

 

For more details, see: 

 

Detection of maple toxins in mare's milk

Johannes Sander, Michael Terhardt, Nils Janzen 

Vet Intern Med (2021) 606-609.

 doi: 10.1111/jvim.16004

Research funding announced

The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has announced funding of $1,638,434 towards 12 new projects, 12 continuing projects, and two career development awards each worth $20,000. 

New studies being supported this year include:

 

“Passive immunization of foals with RNA-AB against R equi.” Led by Jeroen Pollet, the project at Baylor College of Medicine will follow on from previous work that showed that poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (PNAG) anttibodies can protect foals against Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) infection. 

 

Currently, these protective antibodies can be acquired by foals drinking çolostrum from a vaccinated mare or by a blood transfusion. But now the research team want to develop a new vaccine to give newborn foals instant protection against R equi infection. 

 

They explain that the vaccine comprises lab-made messenger RNA molecules (mRNA), which are a blueprint that can be used to instruct cells to produce protective PNAG binding antibodies. “We intend to administer the mRNA therapy by using a nebulizer, to let the foals inhale the RNA. This way, we hope to make the procedure less invasive and have mRNA delivered to lung cells where the antibodies are most needed for protection against R. equi. The proposed project would be the first study developing an mRNA therapy for horses.”

 

A University of Minnesota project led by Molly McCue aims to use resting electrocardiograms (ECGs) to identify horses with irregular heart rhythms at exercise that can cause sudden cardiac death (SCD.  They anticipate that this should allow increased monitoring and improved understanding of SCD. 

 

Thomas Koch, at the University of Guelph, has gained funding for research that will assess the use of equine umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells to treat joint injuries in horses. 

 

A Texas A&M University study led by Noah Cohen will look at developing a more accurate blood test to identify horses infected with the Streptococcus equi to improve control and prevention of strangles. 

 

Further details of these and all the other projects supported by this year’s Grayson Jockey Club research grants are available at:

 

http://www.grayson-jockeyclub.org/default.asp?section=2&area=Research&menu=2

Online equine health talks

An online series of equine health seminars for Western Canada's horse community, is to be hosted by the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM)

Topics to be covered include Equine Asthma, foal care, cardiology, EMS and PPID and gastric ulcers. Talks take place on alternate Tuesday evenings starting February 23.

Although there is no charge, you need to register beforehand.

For more details, see:

https://wcvm.usask.ca/education/equine-seminars.php

Minimising Risk from Equine Infectious Disease

Each year the Beaufort Cottage Educational Trust puts on a series of lectures in honour of Mr Gerald Leigh and his passion for the Thoroughbred horse and its health and welfare. 

This year, because of the coronavirus pandemic it was not possible for the meeting to go ahead as planned in Newmarket, however, the lectures are now available to view online.

Topics covered were:

Gastrointestinal disease in the first year of life: how to minimise risks

Dealing with infectious challenges in young horses on training yards

Herpes virus: can we defeat a uniquely challenging foe?

The European flu epizootic: what are the lessons learned?

To view the lectures, go to :

https://www.beaufortcottage.com/news-events/