2021 Volume 74 Issue 4 Pages 237-241
This report demonstrates that squeeze-induced somnolence provides sufficient restraint of Thoroughbred neonatal foals for minor procedures. Sixty-two procedures were carried out using squeeze-induced somnolence on 22 foals (1 day old to 6 weeks old, 12 colts and 10 fillies). Procedures in this report included intravenous injection of oxytetracycline, application and removal of fiberglass cast, surgical correction of entropion, through-and-through joint lavage, joint injection, intravenous regional limb perfusion, wound management, fluid therapy, intravenous injection, blood sampling, and urinary catheter placement. The restraint technique was performed without difficulty 61 of 62 times, excluding a case in which a foal became less somnolent and required a sedative drug to complete a procedure. In conclusion, squeeze-induced somnolence provides adequate restraint for minor procedures, without sedation, in the majority of cases.