Sheath Cleaning Question

[amby]

Sorry, this is rather graphic and awkward.
Though this is mostly a mare board, I'm sure you have all done this.
Casper has been urinating without dropping recently. And in the last two days or so he seems to be hurting and rather depressed. So after work (and a change of clothes) I undertook the spring cleaning task for the first time. The outer chamber was VERY NASTY. After about 45 minutes of working we got that area mostly cleaned out and ventured a bit farther. We did clean everything well. But I couldn't find a bean. I did everything as perscribed by several sources. Is there any chance he just didn't have one?? After wards, he squatted to go pee but didn't go, is there a chance I hurt him worse than I helped. (he had gone short before the cleaning though, so he probably just didn't need to go)
Anywho. Is there anything I need to watch for to make sure he is ok?

The good news is he was a perfect gentleman and I didn't loose my head (to a kick).
Any feedback would be great. Thanks

[tinypony]

well amby i doubt you did any damage to him but to be sure just check and make sure there's no swelling or heat. as far as not finding a bean i've never heard of that happening.... maybe you missed it?? i'm sure you could check with your vet or online to see if that's common. oh and congrats on your first sheath cleaning :-D

[Golden Girl]

amby, I own several male horses of all sizes, and sometimes there is no bean to be removed, & that is a good thing You probably didn't hurt him unless you have long fingernails and you scratched him. BUT he would have let you know.

Now for him not being able to urinate, and/or have difficulties. One scenario is that he could have a kidney stone(s) and is trying to pass one. It could be stuck in his male thingy. This would not be comfortable for him and cause he stress at not being able to empty out his bladder. A vet can make a small incision and remove the kidney stone. He could have some sort of infection, hopefully not, but you said that he is not acting like he feels good.

I suggest you contact a vet to check him out either way. Better safe that sorry with your boy.

[amby]

He was very swollen today, and the vet has to come out to pull coggins and do vaccines tomorow so at least it is good timing!! LOL

[Golden Girl]

Hi Amby, I was wondering how your boy was doing after the vet visit. From the way you said that he was swollen, he probably did have a bean. I hope that your vet was able to take care of your horse, and that he is feeling better now

[nikki]

are there any updates on Casper

[amby]

Updates:

Casper has had a very interesting week. The vet checked him and there was no bean, he was just sore from being cleaned so thoroughly. He felt better there by Wed or so. However, Casper then had a reaction to the Rhino/Flu vaccine given in his chest. Nothing major, just a fluid filled swelling. So, he has been on stall rest/supervised turnout until Friday, turned out Sat. Sun and today turned out. And I FINALLY got to work him today. HE was such a GOOD boy. He seems to be feeling MUCH MUCH Better.

Thank you girls so much for your concern. We appreciate all of your thoughts as I attempt to not kill my boy as I learn.

[manureslinger]

That's good to hear. I watch my mom clean our guy all the time but I just don't have the guts to do it myself. and he never drops down for us so it's kinda harder. He lets us know when he needs a cleaning by rubbing his bum ( his tail will be all messed up and fluffy at the top. I'm sure you know what a rubbed horse bum looks like. lol) But anyways, I hope your boy feels better soon.

[wisteriafarms]

My gelding never drops for his cleaning, either. If he is already dropped, it never lasts once I start cleaning him. I always figured that was the norm. Was I wrong?

[manureslinger]

I don't believe a lot of them do drop down, but I guess it all depends on the horse.

[krismoos]

I have had horses for 20+ years and have had mares until last year. I now have a yearling and a 2 year old gelding.... this sounds really stupid....but what is a bean?
Also I have never cleaned a sheath or watched it be done. What is the best way to learn? Is there a book/video of some sort? Is it trial and error? Or do vets give ""hands on" lessons?
My yearling gelding(was gelded in October at 6 monhs old) has a black "gooey" spot on the inside of each thigh after the winter, i brush it and it is really sticky/gooey, and keeps reappearing. (I am not sure if it just sticky and attracts dirt, or if it is actually black goo.) His sheath is a little bit dirty, like flaky... not gooey like his thighs. He does drop occasionally and I have gently rubbed the flaky stuff off (MN winters are pretty cold to be cleaning with water when I do not have a heated barn). So any ideas on the "gooey" stuff? any ideas how to learn how to PROPERLY clean it? And what is a "bean"?
Thanks for your info!!!

[aintjack]

ladies!ladies! i know the flaky stuff that can be peeled or wiped off is unsightly to us but it is actually a natural secretion, its called sphegma. no need to be worried about cleaning unless of course your gelding is showing some problem signs(trouble urinating for one). yes it is gross looking but no worries. i've seen it be a redddish brown color, thought it was dried blood. i think i spelled sphegma correctly-(pronounced sfegma). sometimes in our good intentions we worry about things that are completely normal. just my own opinion, i'm no expert. don't want to offfend anyone. i seldom write but had to on this.

[amby]

aintjack, I agree with you, however because Casper has an abundance that does sometime cause problems, his vet and I have decided that he does need to be cleaned.

[aintjack]

yes of course if your vet feels this is necessary but most of the time it can be left alone. i know most women want this done for their geld but its usually completely unecessary. i have a light skin appy and once a year his sheath is cleaned only to check for any melanoma. all my other geld never have it done.

[ellamarie]

sheath cleaning is an important aspect of proper horse care--It is not just a "woman" thing...

" Sheath cleaning is a very important and often overlooked procedure. Cleaning the sheath should be done at least once or twice a year, not only to keep it clean but also to check for tumors or pre-cancerous changes in the skin.
The genital area is one of the most common sites for skin cancer. A dirty sheath predisposes your horse to developing an infection, abnormal swelling, painful urination, and skin cancer. Early detection and treatment of a cancerous growth could save your horse’s life.
“Bean” formation is also a common problem. The bean is a build up of debris and oil secretions that lodge at the tip of the male thingy interfering with urination. This can be a painful condition that causes tail rubbing, sheath swelling, and/or infection. "

For more information- www.millhouseveterinary.com/SheathCleaning.htm