Sheath - how clean is too clean?

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DD265

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I had the vet out to my 21 year old pony 6-8 weeks ago because he was kicking out when I went anywhere near his sheath and we thought he might have a urinary infection. Turns out he was just filthy with a build up of smegma and some sores (he was theoretically cleaned at the back end of last year, but I wasn't there and not sure how thorough a job the vet did).

So I had to check him which I did last week. He's never let me clean him before and I've always had the vet out to sedate and do the deed so he's obviously more comfortable; he does get swelling sometimes and used to be very self conscious (or so I thought, he was probably just very uncomfortable). He has been rubbing his tail for about a fortnight which is what prompted me to check him last week.

So the penis itself had healed, no more sores, and a couple of bits of smegma starting to build up which I understand are natural and OK to be there. But the inside of the sheath is hard and feels ridged (I presume with smegma, as the bits I pulled off - the biggest was approx 5mm thick and 3cm square - looked like it) and I don't know whether to pick it all off/out or to leave well alone.

I'm inclined to think that he's still uncomfortable especially given the tail rubbing, but I appreciate that sheaths are not designed to have human hands in them and that it may upset the balance of the bacteria. I've just been using warm water, no soaps or cleaner. I am thinking that it might be an idea to get some KY jelly in there to soften things up, pick it all or as much as I can get off, and then check again in a few months?
 
If the smegma has gone hard and crusty, then yes, remove it. Imagine how you would feel with a large lump of crusty stuff digging into your delicate parts.

You can buy smegma softeners, which make it easier and less painful to remove smegma and clean the sheath. I've also seen people use saddle soap to very effectively clean sheaths.
 
I find that putting a good dollop of sudocrem or similar in there and working it around then wiping it out with a cloth after leaving it for 20 minutes or so will soften up the crusty smegma and it will clean off without making him uncomfortable. It works well for mine and is easier than using soap and water, especially in winter.
 
Thank you both, I thought that was probably the best thing to do but paranoid after reading all the conflicting advice on the web. :rolleyes:
 
I use KY (well, cheap Boots own brand stuff :) ). I work a good lot up there, and work it around a bit. Quite a lot of black gunk comes out at this stage. Then wait 24 hours, and have a swirl around with a sponge and warm water - this seems to clear up any remaining bits.

The gel seems to loosen bits that are stuck on without causing any discomfort to the horse - I assume this as horse stands loose in middle of field while I rummage, and gets a sort of contemplative expression on his face :cool: - if he wanted to, he could just walk off but he seems to know what I'm trying to do and is happy to allow it).
 
I use sheath cleaner if I was cleaning your horses I would put some up leave it a while to soften everything then wash out.
I have been much more carefull about keeping them clean since I got a horse with infection in its sheath and infected sores all over it's penis a few years ago.
Poor horse it went from very grumpy and nasty to handle to a complete sweety after the vet got on top of the filth and infection.
 
use a natural vegetable oil, all the big flakes just seem to slide off (vom) and it's chemical free/ unscented so won't upset the balance of bacteria :)
 
Baby oil I was told, but I bottled it and the vet is going to do it this afternoon. Hopefully that is (was) the reason for sticky residue down his legs inside the hocks
 
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