Oregon State University Research: Resuscitation Compression for Newborn Sheep

Introduction

Neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS), or neonatal encephalopathy, is a central nervous system disorder characterized by lack of interest in the dam, reduced awareness in general, and inability to suckle, which can progress to more severe neurologic signs, including seizures.1 Although NMS has been described in several species, NMS has been studied extensively in foals, where the prevalence is estimated at 1% to 2%.2–4 Resuscitation compression (squeezing) has been used successfully in newborn foals and calves to reduce the behavioral symptoms of NMS.5 The response to resuscitation compression is thought to be due to the release of neurohormones, which simulates compression like that occurring in the birthing process.2 Weak newborn lambs demonstrate abnormal behaviors like those seen with NMS, and these lambs are at an increased risk for death within the first 48 hours after birth. In this report, the use of resuscitation compression in lambs was critically evaluated to determine if this technique would reduce the time to stand, time to search, and time to stand.