Swollen Sheath

[Sarah1]

Hi everyone, hope you all had a fantastic Christmas!

Sorry if this should be in veterinary, I thought I would get a better response in here...

Brushing my lad yesterday and noticed one side of his sheath is quite swollen & hanging down a bit. He's weeing ok etc and hasn't been off his grub or anything but his ears did go back a bit when I touched it tho he didn't show an extreme reaction as I would have thought he might if it was painful rather than uncomfortable.

I can't feel a lump it's just swollen.

I have the vet coming tomorrow - any ideas what it might be?

Thanks

 

[CNM]

One of my horses had a swollen sheath, it was a bit smelly too, i gave it a good clean and that seemed to do the trick, he was a bit grumpy when i did it but he was alot happier when it was finished!!

 

[Barneykins]

My boy had an urinary infection and his sheath was swollen. Is he drinking enough? Does it look really yellow and smell? Try cleaning & keep an eye on things to see if he needs an antibiotic. I always salt to his food at this time of year to keep the waterworks watering

 

[devilwoman]

My old boy had this some time ago - he too was in need of a good ol' clean - some baby oil and rubber gloves did the trick, good luck.

 

[soloequestrian]

Mine (or rather my horses) was similar a while ago - quite swollen and a little smelly. I had to get him sedated to clean it, but just used plain water and the swelling and smell went away after about a day once it was clean.

 

[Sarah1]

Thanks for your replies.

He probably does need a clean down there - I tend to leave it alone to be honest but perhaps he needs a bit of help with his personal hygiene, he is a boy after all!

It's not smelly or hot to the touch, just swollen but only on his righthand(or hoof!) side...

 

[Rudey]

Hope my post doesn't make you go in a blind panic, but I definitely agree with getting the vet to look at him. A gelding at our yard had a swollen sheath, the vet said he was fine, just a little over weight. After a few callouts and no change, the owner got a second opinion from another vets. Turned out to be laminitus. Don't ask me why his sheath was swollen when it was because he had laminitus, all I know is that the Vet said it was a 'sign'.....

hope your boy is alright and turns out in need of just a good wash xx

 

[brucea]

My cob gets a swolen sheath if he has had too much grass, and he also gets swolen if he has been standing around in a stable.

In either case movement seems to help.