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A Clean Sheath is a Healthy Sheath!By: Lorelei Prichard DVM The buildup of secretions from the sebaceous glands found in your horse's sheath, incorporated with dirt results in the waxy material we call “smegma”. Male horses (stallions and geldings) should have their sheaths cleaned periodically to remove the buildup of this naturally occurring substance. The frequency of sheath cleaning needed varies with each individual horse. Some horses may require monthly cleaning while others only require biannual cleaning. Smegma will vary in type from a dry crusty consistency to a smelly damp excretion that will require more frequent attention. How do you know that the sheath needs cleaned? Commonly, owners will often hear a strange noise when jogging their geldings indicating that the sheath is dirty. The accumulation of smegma inside the sheath may also lead to edema of the sheath and irritation of the penis. On occasion, difficulty with urination may be observed. There are two basic ways to access your horse’s sheath. One is to have your veterinarian sedate your horse so that he will extend (drop) his penis. The second way is to condition your horse to allow manipulation of his sheath area. This may be accomplished by routinely rinsing the sheath as part of the ritual of bathing after a workout. As with any new lesson, patience is necessary. Sheath cleaning must be a non-painful procedure. You must let the horse know that you’re handling his penis and sheath and that the procedure will be nonpainful. Be careful! Anxious horses may kick when you first try to clean their sheath area. Take time and your horse will slowly trust your gentle schooling. What materials are needed to properly clean your horse’s sheath? You will need the following items to safely clean:
Sheath cleaning is best done in a quiet place away from distractions; the wash stall is usually a good place. It is often best to try the procedure after the horse has just completed a work out and feeling more cooperative. Have your assistant hold the horse on the same side as you are standing (the near or left side) before beginning the procedure. It is very important that you instruct your assistant to turn the horse's head to the left side if he attempts to kick so that his rear end is directed away from you. Start by standing with your backside towards the horse's head just behind the elbow of the horse (be careful of a forward kick to your body). Take your left hand and place it on the horse's left hip and lean down and take your right hand and slowly but surely insert your hand into the sheath and grasp the head of the penis. Gently pull the penis down. Now switch hands and take your right hand and grab your sponge out of your bucket of warm water. Have your assistant put some sheath cleaner (gel or soap) on the sponge and slowly start cleaning the penis. Rinse the sponge as needed. The next place to clean is the urethral diverticulum, or pocket, at the head of the penis. Smegma collects in this diverticulum and forms the famous “bean”. The bean can vary from size of a pencil head to a small chicken egg. This concretion of smegma, or “bean”, puts pressure on the end of the urethral process and can make urination uncomfortable. Oftentimes, large beans will have to be broken-up into two or three pieces to be removed. Once the bean is removed and the penis has been rinsed, the inside of the sheath should be cleaned. The sheath will usually take a little more work to get clean due to the numerous folds. Once the sheath and penis is clean, irrigate the sheath with water. If you use a hose to irrigate, don't use too much water pressure. Be gentle. Let the sheath drip dry after rinsing. Contact your veterinarian if you have any trouble cleaning the sheath of your horse or if you notice any abnormalities. Copyright © 2006 Lorelei Prichard DVM |
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