Accepted Answer

Hello XXXXXXXXXX,

When was the last time your gelding had his sheath cleaned - not just rinsed but cleaned? Have you been doing this regularly? (Every few months?) If not, it's likely that he has some smegma buildup and/or a "bean" that is irritating his sheath or penis and he needs his sheath cleaned.

If he hasn't had his teeth checked in the past year, you should have the vet out. Horses need their teeth floated every year, and the vet usually sedates the horse for this procedure. Since he's already sedated for the dental work, this is an excellent time for the vet to clean his sheath as well. Watch closely so you can learn the procedure and then do it yourself on a regular basis going forward. Also, if he hasn't had his spring vaccine boosters yet, the vet can do that at this time as well.

Unexplained sweating can be a sign of colic. When this happens is he acting in any unusual way - not eating, looking at or kicking at his belly, lying down?

jc

Expert:	JC Dill
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	5/8/2008

AFA Certified Farrier Equine expert

Horse and pet owner for over 30 years, experienced caring for many different types of animals.