Does anybody know of a good sheath cleaning solution? I heard one that involved liquid dove and some other ingredients. I don't like excalibur because I find that it isn't very effective. Also if anyone knows any tricks to get "it" down besides sedation or coaxing, I would be immensely appreciative. Thanx.
2007-07-03 15:44:23 · 6 answers · asked by jmhtraining 3 in Pets ➔ Horses
Well, if you want to go the natural route without having to even use soap on them, then you can go with this great all natural product from Nature's Balance. It is the Nature's Balance Mare and Gelding Wash. It contains all natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial ingredients which not only clean the area but help keep it that way. It is available at www.naturesbalancecare.com under the Horse Skin and Hoof section. It does not cost that much and will not harm you or the horse.
The other thing that you can do about cleaning is not using any cleaning product at all. If you simply need to remove the beans, not a problem without using anything to wash it with. If you need to remove the dead skin on the outside of the penis, then simply soak some clean sheet cotton or papertowels in a bucket of warmer water (not just warm but do not make too hot). Then allow it to sit on the area where the skin is for a few seconds, and then remove the skin.
For getting the horse to drop down, it all depends on what works for the horse. I have some horses that drop automatically when they are done being ridden or lunged, I have some that drop down when another horse is around, some that will drop if they stand in cross ties a while, and some that drop when they need to urinate (even though they will not be happy about you cleaning it if they have to do this). Sometimes even twitching a horse will cause them to drop.
Sedatives work well because they not only allow the horse to drop, but they will keep the horse happier while you are doing it. It is simply a fact of your safety when it comes to this. There are too many people who are injured all the time from trying to clean a sheath and getting kicked in the head or some place else.
Another option, especially if you are into natural practices is through the use of acupuncture/acupressure. There is a release point basically in the forehead region right under their forelock which is a total body relaxer. Most acupuncturists do this as the first point so that the horse will not have any problems with any other needles being put in them. I am not going to explain exactly where this is or how to do it as I dont want you to not do it correctly, but you can research this on the web or ask someone who does horse acupuncture/acupressure in your area where it is and how you would do it on your horse. You can do it through acupressure by either applying constant or varying pressure (about 5 pounds of pressure) to the area or by rubbing it. That may be all your horse needs. The other thing that you can do involves a higher gauge needle (like a 24 or higher) that is very narrow. You can use that if you need to actually do it as an acupuncture method. I would not recommend doing that since you have no idea what you are doing, but you can have someone show you where it is, teach you how to do it, and then when you feel comfortable doing it and they give you the permission that you are capable of doing it, then you could do it on your own.
The acupressure and acupuncture idea will work on a lot of them, but it really all depends on the horse. I have had some horses even with sedatives that do not drop unless it is a certain sedative. Again, all on the individual horse.
Also, if you do use soap on your horse, make sure to get it all rinsed off. Do not leave any soap residue on your horse. Think of how it would feel on you if you had it in those areas. Also if it is a breeding animal, it could cause potential problems. Dont forget to clean your mare's teats (even if she has never had a foal) because it can get just as nasty if not nastier than a sheath.
Usually after a horse gets used to you cleaning them, and if you reward them for it, they will start dropping for you. Some of our horses do that when they get relaxed and when they understand that it is time to clean it they really drop down. Biggest word of advice is keep hold of it, it is always great to have an assistant working with you so that they can hand you things that you need. A lot of horses will just suck it back up once you get it if you let go.
Hope this helps out!
2007-07-03 18:36:54 · answer #1 · answered by Amanda J 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is not always safe to use mineral oil. One of my horses had a severe reaction and lots of swelling and tenderness. I would never use mineral oils or cooking oils on an area so sensitive. Some horses do not really need cleaning. Their bodies just take care of it themselves. I do not use soap or cold water or any type of cleaner that might be unsafe and get trapped when they draw their penis inside their bodies. Also, you should never pick and pull the smegma from the penis. It hurts and can cause a small tear or irritation that can be an opening for bacteria. Here's what I have done for years. There is a time of day or activity level in my barn when my horses will drop (all boys). When they drop and need attention, I take a whole tube of neosporin and put it in my clean sterile hands and disperse it on the penis calmly but quickly. I remove the bean if there is one there. Within a few days, all the dried material will soften and fall off as they raise and lower their penis to relax or pee. Simple and safe and works great. Hope this helps.
2016-03-14 22:22:52 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually use baby wipes for sheath cleaning. Figured if they are sensitive enough for a baby, they should be sensitive enough for the horse's sheath. My four geldings all let down when they are groomed. Each one has a different "relaxing" spot however, so, I would try and find that spot on your gelding. Being gentle with them, makes them appreciate a good cleaning and mine are very receptive and easy to clean. Some horses are not so easy however so stay clear of getting kicked. I actually have one horse who loves to have the water hose rinse him out...He's a nut and loves water to play in anyway - so that works for him.
Good luck! Stay safe!
2007-07-03 16:22:06 · answer #3 · answered by Judi 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've used Ivory liquid for years, it cleans well and rinses easily. And for getting "it" down...some boys will let ya, some won't...seems to be a personal (theirs) preference so you may have a male that needs medication to get this done. Even if they don't drop, you can still clean inside the sheath with soal, and rinse clean.
2007-07-03 15:52:39 · answer #4 · answered by dressage.rider 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Get rubber gloves and just insert your hand up the sheath and pull it out and then clean with liquid paraffin or mineral oil.
2007-07-04 10:45:02 · answer #5 · answered by lisa m 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When it 'pops' out squirt it with babyoil oil! Thats what ive done for over 10years with my geldings.
2007-07-04 05:43:30 · answer #6 · answered by gemma xxxx 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I just use water, unless it is extra dirty then Ivory. But water does well.
2007-07-03 16:46:46 · answer #7 · answered by ClanSinclair 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋