Sorry - it's a cleaning a gelding's sheath question...

[billylula]

Hi. I usually leave my horse's sheath and penis well alone, but noticed it was looking very crusty. I used gloves, baby oil and warm water to give it a clean. While I was doing this I felt a very hard lump at the end of the penis, had a look and its a black, smooth, hard lump next to his urethra. Had a quick feel and a bit came off, purplish blsck. Is this a "bean" and is it ok to carry on trying to get it out. Its very large! He doesn't mind me rummaging around in fact he quite likes it ? Apologies for slightly icky content.

 

[Starzaan]

That is a bean, and definitely needs to come out as it will be very uncomfortable.
I check all of mine (mares, geldings and stallions) for beans once a month as they can develop very quickly in some horses. Some never get them, some develop them in a matter of weeks.

 

[billylula]

Thank you. Great, I'm quite pleased as i noticed he was looking a bit grumpy. Wonder if the bean is the issue? Are they easy to get out? I asked my vet to check a year or so ago and he said all fine, so it's formed in the last year. It is large though I think.

Is it OK jus tto keep picking bits off until its all gone or is there a magic knack to it.

 

[holeymoley]

Yes it definitely sounds like a bean.
If you very gently push the tip back slightly it should just pop out or gently use your finger to move it out. Gloved obviously! ?

 

[Laurac13]

It sounds like a bean definitely, I get my minis Willy cleaned every 6 months by the vet when he’s sedated otherwise I’d never get near it. He had an op for cancer high up in his sheath 8 years ago so he’s Cleaned and checked every 6 months ?

 

[Fransurrey]

Just lube up a gloved hand and run your finger around the pocket around the urethra. Any beans or bits thereof will pop out. Lovely job. I have to do it regularly for my gelding who is disgusting in that area. Never had to do it before!

 

[billylula]

Slid out very easily! It was about 5cm x 3cm. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Gloi]

Gosh that's a whopper! he'll feel a lot better without that.

 

[billylula]

I would have thought so. His urethra was pushed right over because of it. I've set a reminder on my phone to check again in 6 weeks.

 

[Pedantic]

No need to apologize about your horses welfare and looking him properly, I do my pony as and when required, all part of being a good owner.