Swollen sheath... suggestions please! (also in veterinary)

[montysmum1]

My old lad has developed a swollen sheath in the last week or so, it's about twice the size as usual, is not hot and there is not immediete sign of infection/injury.

He is retired, and his routine/feed/turnout hasn't altered at all, and it doesn't seem dirty so I'm at a loss as to what has caused it. He doesn't seem to be in any discomfort either, but as he's old (19, but has been accident prone so this has aged him somewhat), i'm worried about what could have caused this.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated, and yes I will certainly get the vet if there is no simple solution i have overlooked!

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

if no obvious injury or infection, id get vet-our older (15) boy has a very swollen sheath due to a growth inside (grey with previous history of melanomas).there is little that can be done, just a case of see how it progresses, but vets are happy its slow growing and not infected inside.

 

[Janah]

I would call out the vet.

 

[misterjinglejay]

Again for the vet. Jay got a swollen sheath a few years ago, and the vet and I decided that it was because he didn't want to get it out to wee as the weather was so cold. The tip of his willy *snigger* was a bit sore. A course of antib's and bute and he was as right as rain!

 

[montysmum1]

Thanks guys, i thought as much, just wanted to double-check i wasn't being daft. Had him 12yrs and never had a problem in this area before - his specialty is leg injuries

 

[dilbert]

My boy gets a swollen sheath when he has "too much" grass (his is swollen today as our grass seems to be growing again). Don't know if that might be relevent to your boy?

 

[montysmum1]

we have no grass at the mo - on ad-lib haylage - no change to routine at all, thank you though

 

[Clippy]

This happens to my old horse occasionally and although you've not changed your routine, he could be moving about less without you noticing. My horses swelling definately improves the more he does. Not saying don't bother with the vet, just don't worry as it is probably something and nothing