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Subject: Re: How do I clean a Sheath?
From: deblev@laurel.ipac.caltech.edu (Debbie Levine)
Date: 11 Aug 1993 02:48:07 GMT
Well, sheath cleaning not a pretty sight... :-)
Some people prefer to have the vet do it, or do it at the same time
as the horses' teeth get floated or some other procedure when they
have been tranquilized so that they have "dropped" and all the relevant
surface area is exposed.
However, with a quiet horse and a strong stomach you can do it yourself.
Your barn neighbors may look at you like you have lost your mind.
Cautions:
approach the procedure carefully, your gelding may object. Stay
alert and aware of his hind legs.
use water that is nearly body temperature
rinse well
You will need:
soap (non-iodine surgical scrup, Phisoderm and Excalibur sheath cleaner
all work well. You want something mild that rinses easily).
sponge(s) (tack-sized or smaller)
gloves (recommended especially if you don't want to smell really
skanky for a couple of days. Thin latex works best as
you need to be able to feel what you are doing.)
water source (hose with relatively warm water is best. several
buckets and clean sponges will also work).
Cross-tie your horse somewhere you can work with water. If you can
use a hose, flush his sheath out with warmish water by turning the
tap onto low pressure, put the end of the hose into the opening of
the sheath and hold the sheath closed firmly around the hose until it
distends slightly with water. Then let the water run out. If you
have to do this with a bucket and sponges it takes MUCH longer. Here
in LA I can use the unheated tap water in the summer. I understand
cold water can do permanent damage.
After rinsing, apply a liberal amount of soap all throughout the
sheath. All that surface area that is on the outside when he
drops is acessible on the inside, though it may be somewhat
folded! You may disappear halfway up to your elbow!. Let the
soap sit for a minute or two to dissolve the gunk (smegma). Then
repeat the flushing/rinsing procedure.
Reach back inside and feel around. The clean skin will feel smooth.
Anything rough and sticky is probably still gunky. Use more soap
and the sponge until it is all clean. You may have to repeat
soaping and rinsing several times. You may also find large knots
of gunk (a "bean") that need to be picked out with your fingers.
When you are all done make sure the sheath is thoroughly rinsed.
Then throw out all those sponges, wash well, and buy some cheap
cologne... :-).
Have fun!
Debbie (with Morris and Split)
deblev@ipac.caltech.edu
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