Executive Summary

 

 
The scope of this project was the design of a life-like foal manikin to assist veterinarian students in equine obstetrics.  The importance of this device is to properly educate students in techniques used to assist during birth when the foal is in an abnormal birthing position.  The failure to effectively intervene can potentially lead to the death of the horse and the foal.

 
 

Birthing Orientations

 
The manikin was required to maneuver into all the typical birthing positions, both normal and abnormal, shown below in Figure 1. Each birthing position has been successfully replicated using our design as shown.

 

Face Forward Abnormal

Face Down Abnormal
Normal Diving Position

Backward Abnormal
Front and Hind Leg Abnormal

Bent Neck Abnormal