Equine
Sheath Clean Services
Do you remember the last time it was done ??
It’s a job no one wants to do, but for your horses health it must be done twice a year.
* Does your horse rub his tail even after worming ??
* Did you know that a “bean” can lead to a very expensive vet visit.
* Does the thought of sheath cleaning make you squeamish ??
Let me do the dirty work for you.
$40.00 per horse ~ Light horses
$50.00 per horse ~ Draft horses
(additional travel cost may apply)
** Additional cost may apply should your horse be extra dirty**
Dori contact page (30 years of horse experience)
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Cleaning a Horse's Sheath/ Fact and Fiction
Five things you should know about sheath
cleaning for your horse's health and comfort.
Fiction:
It's a nasty job, but if I clean my horse's sheath frequently, it won't be as
bad.
Fact: Your horse's sheath has a population of "friendly" micro organisms
that help maintain a healthy balance within. If you clean it too frequently,
you'll kill these micro organisms, disrupting this balance--and your horse's
sheath is likely to get even dirtier. It's best to clean his sheath every 6 to
12 months.
Fiction: To really clean my horse's
sheath, I should use an antibacterial soap, such as Betadine or chlorhexidine.
Fact: To protect those friendly micro organisms, never use
antibacterial soap. Use a commercial sheath cleaner. These products cut through
the grease, have a pleasant odour, and make sheath cleaning easier. Warm water
also helps cut grease--and your horse will like it better.
Fiction: My horse swishes his tail and sometimes raises a hind leg when I
clean his sheath, but he'd never kick me.
Fact: Don't be so sure! Some horses really resent this procedure. They'll
not only kick--but they'll do so fast and hard. To be safe, stand well forward,
by your horse's shoulder, and reach back to his sheath. If he continues to
threaten you, he may need to be sedated by your veterinarian.
Fiction: I can't clean my horse's sheath
unless he drops his penis--which he won't do unless he's sedated.
Fact: You can do a very thorough job even when your horse hasn't
dropped--simply by reaching up inside. In this case, you'll need to go in up to
your elbow, so wear a long disposable glove to avoid getting the greasy, smelly
smegma on your arm and sleeve. Ask your vet for an obstetrical glove--it's
perfect for the job. You'll also need a bucket of warm water. Depending on how
dirty the sheath is, you may need to use additional cleaner as you go. Do not
use paper towels there is always a chance that pieces get stuck and left
inside.
Fiction: Once I've gotten rid of the grime, the job is done.
Fact: Not yet. Once you've removed the smegma, check for and remove the
bean-a ball of whitish goo that forms within a small pocket at the tip of your
horse's penis. If not removed, a bean can get as large as a walnut and obstruct
urine flow, which can cause your horse discomfort and potential harm. If you
don't know how to remove the bean, ask your vet to show you, or have a
professional Sheath Cleaner remove it for you.
Finally, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Or, if your horse will tolerate it, run the hose up inside his sheath. You'll know you've done a thorough job when your hand comes out as clean as it went in, and the rinse water runs clear.
What is "smegma"?
Smegma is a
collection of dirt and excretions, builds up inside the sheath and must be
removed for the sake of the horse's health. It is not the most pleasant thing to
do, but it is essential. If you don't or can't do this, you should have your
veterinarian clean your horse's sheath at least every 6 months.
What is a "bean"?
A firm lump of smegma that has collected and hardened inside the horse's penis. This lump or "bean" must be removed as often as possible. It can cause serious pain to your horse. There have been thousands cases in the last year where the bean is overlooked by the owner and becomes so large that the horse can no longer urinate...which may also cause other problems due to blockage.
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