Sheath cleaning

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mudmonkey17

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Any suggestions of how to get gelding used to sheath cleaning?

My 18yr old has decided he hates it being done and kicks like mad. Not having any problems and generally is very clean and healthy in that department but noticed has got some flakes.

Would the vet be willing to sedate a horse for this?
 
Your vet will sedate him and clean his sheath, no problem.

I keep a small body shop bottle with liquid parafin in and when they let it all hang out, I creep up on them and flick some over their willies :eek: don't do it too often as they think I'm some sort of perv and get it back in double quick. It's gentle stuff and does not cause them any discomfort, it really keeps them nice and clean.
 
I wouldn't bother cleaning it at all unless there is some medical problem that means it has to be done. Read the tiny print on any of the products you can buy to clean sheaths and they all warn about a) altering the balance of micro-organisms in the sheath area and b) causing irritation through not rinsing properly. It absolutely isn't necessary and you run the real risk of making things worse instead of better. So he's got a few flakes, so what?
 
My horse hates this too, I usually wait until after I've ridden, he always wee's when I put him back in his stable after, I have a bucket of clean water and a clean/new sponge ready, my vet said if you use a new sponge to wash it out before using it in case there is anything on it from the manufacturing process, he told me to only use clean sterile water and not to use any sheath cleaners or anything as it upsets the ph balance
 
in old days i had to do it part of my training but now my boy to handy with his feet so vet does it 2 x a year and sedates him first safer all rounds
 
Thanks for all the replies, will keep an eye on it and get vet to check it when he has his jabs in a couple of months.
 
hi in all the years I have had horses i havent ever had to do this :confused:...... but daughters gelding is quite flaky and it looks like it is a bit gungy round the end. i think i do need to intervene but not sure what to clean it with ? just water ? should you then use something to help moisturise sorry for stupid questions
 
maree t said:
I think I do need to intervene but not sure what to clean it with ? just water ? should you then use something to help moisturise sorry for stupid questions
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Our local tack shop sells 'sheath cleaner'. the directions are squirt on....thats it. no rinse, no rub. i squirt it when grooming and he has relaxed, just helps all the gunk fall out and keep it moist. Its an all natural product. On less shy boys, warm water, little shampoo and rinse well...one boy I know even likes it!!
 
unless he is smelling and getting black willy goo down his legs, it is best left alone. washing alters the pH, and then you will get overproduction of willy goo. a few dry flakes on his will is nothing to worry about. yes a vet can sedate and clean his willy for you and check for a bean, but again unless smelly/goo down legs this is not necessary.
 
I posted a thread re this not so long ago for advice, from it the general feedback was unless there's a problem then leave alone and there's no need to clean otherwise.

Apparently removing the flakey parts can be painful and create sharp edges which can cut and cause discomfort.

I don't clean my boys now unless there is a issue or medical reason to.

When I did I used warm water and sheath cleaner. Lubricate the area well and remove excess parts - some might need gently picking off. If your horse is touchy just get him used to your hands being in the area by handling him on a daily basis.

There's a few good videos on YouTube if you search for sheath cleaning. :)
 
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