Sheath Cleaning Help!

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GG80

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My gelding is in desperate need of his sheath being cleaned, but he won't let me near it. As soon as I go there he draws it back up and the ears go back and the dancing around commences. We have tried my someone else holding him but to no avail. He has a large bean that needs to come out to, but at the moment I have no hope of getting at that! Any tips on how to get him to relax to let me clean it? Failing that, anyone have a rough idea how much a vet will charge to come out and do the deed?

Thanks in advance.
 
Mine is the same and needs to have his sheath cleaned regularly as he has melanomas. Sedalin is the only way I can do it without losing my head. Sedalin works better than any other sedative as it also relaxes all the muscles so makes everything hang out. The vet told me not to use anything but warm water with a splash of liquid paraffin and this has worked well with my boy. We knock him out about 4 times a year to do his. The vet also told me that they often start to enjoy it once they get over expressing their initial displeasure as the warm water creates a "pleasant sensation" which made me feel very wrong. Luckily my boy still hates it!
 
I used to use udder cream which is very gooey and safe to use. Even if he withdraws it is taken in and softens everything up. I would think any cream suitable for babies would do as long as it is very 'runny' so you don't have to rub.
 
I used Sedalin a few to times for one of mine then he did get used to it ( he had a yeast infection and had to be cleaned everyday for 2 weeks) vet told me to use a very mild non perfumed soap as some products strip the good bacteria .
 
As above - Sedalin (or Domosedan if he's likely to go really nuts) which you can get without a visit. For maintenance I use a handful of the ubiquitous Sudocrem but anything similar would work. I just shove it into the sheath unless they're feeling very relaxed, and it takes care of itself. Only needs doing a couple of times a year for most geldings ime.
 
Nudibranch said:
As above - Sedalin (or Domosedan if he's likely to go really nuts) which you can get without a visit. For maintenance I use a handful of the ubiquitous Sudocrem but anything similar would work. I just shove it into the sheath unless they're feeling very relaxed, and it takes care of itself. Only needs doing a couple of times a year for most geldings ime.
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The only issue with Domosedan is it doesn't cause everything to hang loose. We have to use Domosedan to clip mine as Sedalin's not enough and everything was still tucked away, although he was knocked out enough for me to get in there. Not the end of the world, but it is easier if it does show itself!
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. Re Sedolin, where can I get that from? Not too sure I am comfortable administering it...
 
You have to get it from the vet who will tell you the dosage, you just give it like a wormer, it's really easy.
 
Thanks Annagain, will give the vet a call this afternoon in that case, unfortunately I don't think he will let me near it any other way. :-/
 
If they give you domosedan it is very important that it goes under the tongue. the vets will tell you that but please do not get home and think on top will do or it will not work.
 
The only problem with Sedalin is that it's not very strong, so it isn't hugely effective in situations where they get very stressed as they can fight it. So it may depend on how stressed your horse gets when you try to clean his sheath. We had several at work that needed vet sedation for their sheaths to be cleaned - I refused to do it without as I was kicked quite a few times in that job and was never keen to repeat the experience!
 
annagain said:
The only issue with Domosedan is it doesn't cause everything to hang loose. We have to use Domosedan to clip mine as Sedalin's not enough and everything was still tucked away, although he was knocked out enough for me to get in there. Not the end of the world, but it is easier if it does show itself!
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Works on mine - doesn't matter whether it's sedalin, domosedan or IV, it all hangs out!
 
It's no good suggesting outing cream of ky jelly up there for a horse that has a bean :rolleyes3:.

For that purpose I would probably just get the vet out to sedate him properly.

Mine needs regular inspections and I go for the rummage, grip and gentle pull down until he gives in :p he has enough manners that although he doesn't like it a firm 'stand' means no titting about occurs.
 
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