UC Davis Professor Published Book on Foal Care
A new resource from Dr. John E. Madigan explains how to support newborn foals facing behavioral challenges.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Large Animals
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UC Davis Professor Emeritus Dr. John E. Madigan has published his book, Awakening at Birth, which outlines research into neurochemical transitions in newborn horses. The work provides insight into foals that are unable to nurse due to retained sedation.
Why it matters
Understanding these neurochemical transitions helps address cases where foals appear healthy but remain unresponsive. This research offers a scientific framework for managing equine neonatal health at home and in clinical settings.
The book details the Madigan Squeeze procedure, a tactile pressure technique developed through research at UC Davis. It provides findings from clinical experience in the Equine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
The players
Dr. John E. Madigan
A Professor Emeritus at UC Davis who specializes in equine neonatal health and developed the Squeeze procedure.
UC Davis
A leading research university in California known for its prominent veterinary medicine programs and neonatal intensive care research.
Stanford Medical School
A globally recognized medical research institution that collaborated with veterinary experts on neurochemical transition studies.
The details
The Madigan Squeeze procedure functions by mimicking the physical pressure of the birth canal to trigger a reversal of newborn sedation. When foals exhibit disorientation and fail to nurse, this tactile method assists in resetting their brain chemistry. The technique is the result of a collaboration between UC Davis and Stanford Medical School researchers.
Timeline
October 9, 2026: The book was released and the findings were published.
The Home Front
This publication updates the standard protocols established by the Equine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UC Davis. It represents a shift toward addressing neurological causes for common neonatal failures in horses.
Horse owners should review the signs of disorientation or nursing failure in newborns discussed in the new text. You can find detailed resources on the Madigan Squeeze procedure through the author's official site.
The takeaway
Recognizing the neurological state of a foal shortly after birth is critical for ensuring they receive necessary care. Keep the contact information for your equine veterinarian accessible to discuss these clinical techniques if you are managing a birth at home.
Further reading
For more on managing equine neonatal health, visit Large Animals.
More information
To purchase the book or review the research findings, visit the book purchase and information site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Democrat.
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