Cleaning Geldings sheaths

becksten

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Hi, People have told me 2 ways to clean sheaths. Both ways are to use sheath cleaner and a sponge?! Some people say 'push your hand up it' And some say to 'pull it out, or try to get it out'
Which way is right? Or is the easiest way? Thanks
 
If it hasn't been washed before, or isn't gunky or smelly, then leave it alone as the bacteria already there will keep everything clean
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My vet says if you have to clean use warm water only and a sponge as all these cleaners mess up the good bacteria.
 
We never clean our geldings sheaths and one of ours is over 30. We have never had a problem. People seem to have more problems if they do continually clean them.
 
My horse is on sawdust and if you dont clean it now and again there is quite a nasty build up of lumpy yukky nasty stuff (technical term). I always use warm water and a sponge and only once have I had to stick my hand back up inside when I pulled my rubber glove out without the sponge. I dont do it frequently just every few months maybe 3 times a year and just keep an eye on it. It has been worse recently because of box rest they dont get the natural movement that keeps everything ticking over nicely.
 
Thats interesting, I'v had a similar problem this year with my gelding (he's on shavings) Have cleaned it but he nearly kicked me to kingdom come.... no pun intended
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I can't tell you how relieved (oh, bad pun) I am to read this.

We have bought a gelding for the first time, and I keep having the "well, you're a man, and you ride him all the time, it's your job...oh no, it's your pony, you own him it's your job..." conversation with my wife.

I will now be able to say ' actually dear, the natural bacteria will take care of matters, and if all is well, then leave it / him alone.'
 
I hadn't cleaned my gelding bits for about 6 months.
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I wasn't too bothered until a lady down our yard kindly cleaned it. (surrounded by giggles!!)
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Having seen what came out of that poor boys area, I'm doing it regularly.
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What came out from the depths can't be comfortable or healthy.
Yuck!!!
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My friend shares a cob at our yard and he will quite happily just get it out/let it hang there for you to get all the dry crusty bits off!

Dreamer on the other hand is much more reluctant to have his touched (in fact his belly just before you get to it even)....but I do have a good look when he has it out to make sure it looks normal! (reminding me that yesturday I noticed it looked a bit crusty and could probs do with cleaning).....I shall possibly endevour to clean on Saturday whilst said friend is there to be holder!!!
 
Leave well alone unless there is a problem or your vet advises it! I have always had geldings and not cleaned a sheath yet and had no problems!
The only thing I might do is to occasionally smear a bit of vasaline or KY jelly just inside to stop any build up's through shavings etc...but that is the most I have ever had to do.
 
Someone once told me that if you put baby oil on it fornightly, it stays clean and none of the 'gunk' stays on it - does anyone else do this? I wasn't sure if it was 'safe'?
 
Well, my boy's bits are the most skanky, manky ever!! I have tried to clean it in the past, but he retracts it back to god know's where and also tries to kick me, so have decided to leave it alone. It looks grim but I don't think its actually causing him any problems though.
 
I prefer to use the babyoil method, which entails waiting for item to be dangling and then squirting liberally with baby oil - keeps things clean and shiny - although apparently KY jelly is better as it is water based.
 
I hope Beano's bacteria will look after this sheath because he is incredibly ticklish about his tummy and sheath area, and will kick out as an automatic reaction. If it ever needed doing he'd probably need sedating! Silly baby...
 
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