B760
Sheath Cleaning

Introduction: Cleaning a horse’s sheath should be a regular procedure performed by every owner of a gelding or stallion. The sheath may need to be cleaned every 3-4 weeks during the summer time in a problem animal. Horses may experience difficulty when urinating or extending the penis due to the irritation and debris that can accumulate in a dirty prepuce or sheath. Smegma is the dark, wax-like substance that accumulates inside the horse’s sheath and around the penis. At first this experience may be difficult for both horse and owner; however, with time and practice both horse and owner should become more accustomed to this routine activity. A horse is more likely to tolerate this procedure if it is done on a warm day after the horse has been exercised.

Following is a list of the essential aspects to cleaning a horse’s sheath:

  1. A bucket, hose, liquid soap (Ivory is suggested), and a cotton sock or rag are essential equipment.
  2. Fill the bucket with warm (not hot) water and the soap.
  3. It is easier to thoroughly clean the penis and sheath if the penis is extended. It is possible, however, to clean the sheath if the penis is retracted.
  4. Place a latex glove on the right hand and then place a cotton sock over the right hand (a small rag or pieces of cotton can be used in place of the sock).
  5. Soak the sock, rag, or cotton in the bucket of warm, soapy water. The soap not only cleans, but acts as a lubricant.
  6. Begin by approaching the horse from the left side. With the left hand on the side or back of the horse, move towards the horse’s sheath with the right hand. MOVE SLOWLY and GENTLY, rubbing the horse as progress is made towards the sheath. Many horses will kick and resist this at first. Because a horse can easily reach its abdomen (belly) with a foot, it is important to keep your head high and watch out for your right hand.
  7. Soak the opening of the sheath with the hose and plenty of warm, soapy water.
  8. Insert a hand into the opening of the prepuce or sheath. Depending on the location of the penis, a "wall" or skin flap may be felt that separates the penis from the outside. Gently find the opening to the skin flap and locate the end of the penis. If possible, grasp the penis and begin to slowly pull the penis to the outside. Depending on the temperament of the horse, sedation by a local veterinarian may be needed.
  9. Anytime during this procedure it may be necessary to remove debris (smegma) that is encountered.
  10. A thorough cleaning of all folds and surfaces of the sheath can now take place. It is best to use only warm, non-soapy water when cleaning the penis.
  11. Remove the "bean" or smegma that is commonly found on the sides of the urethral opening in the urethral diverticulum (see below).
  12. Once all the debris is removed, thoroughly rinse the penis and sheath with warm, non-soapy water. Any remaining soap can cause irritation.

 

Fill a bucket with warm water and add some mild liquid soap (Ivory). The soap will not only help clean, but also act as a lubricant. Soak a rag or cotton tube sock in the soapy water. A hose with warm water can also be helpful.

 

Begin by approaching the horse from the left side. With the left hand on the side or back of the horse, move towards the horse’s sheath with the right hand. MOVE SLOWLY and GENTLY, rubbing the horse as progress is made towards the sheath.

 

Once at the sheath, soak the opening of the with the hose and plenty of soapy, warm water.

If this procedure is performed after the horse is exercised, the horse may actually relax and extend the penis.

 

Insert a hand into the opening of the prepuce or sheath. Depending on the location of the penis, a "wall" or skin flap may be felt that separates the penis from the outside. Gently find the opening to the skin flap and locate the end of the penis. If possible, grasp the penis and begin to slowly pull the penis to the outside.

 

A thorough cleaning of all folds and surfaces can now take place. Anytime during this procedure it may be necessary to remove any debris (smegma) that is encountered.

 

A "bean" or smegma in the urethral diverticulum.

 

Remove the "bean" or smegma that is commonly found on the sides of the urethral opening in the urethral diverticulum.

 

This picture shows a thoroughly cleaned urerthral diverticulum and surrounding structures.

 

During the entire procedure, gentle pressure can be placed on the penis to keep it extended.

Remember to use only warm water and gentle scrubbing on the penis itself.

As a final step, make sure all soapy residue is completely rinsed off.