Very Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Does Not Drop Penis Down when Urinating
Summary
Some male horses do not drop their penis to urinate for behavioral reasons. Others have a mechanical restriction that prevents the penis from dropping normally. The result, urination into the sheath, leads to a dirty sheath (and possibly skin irritation in the soiled areas around the sheath and on the legs) but rarely causes other problems.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment
your role
What To Do
Look for obvious problems by carefully assessing the sheath for swelling, growths and discharge. Take note of urine color and the urine stream (whether it is splashy or weak, etc.). Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Using tranquilizers, the vet may be able to more carefully assess the health of the penis and sheath, and determine whether there is a physical restriction or not. Many vets will also clean the sheath during this examination, which may need to be done routinely for horses urinating into their sheaths.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Have you always noticed this behavior?
- Does your horse seem normal otherwise?
- When did you first notice this behavior?
- Have you ever seen the horse drop his penis down?
- Is there swelling of the sheath?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
