Less 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
Sores, Crusts or Scabs on Penis or Sheath
Summary
Red, inflamed or ulcerated areas on the pink skin of the sheath or penis need to be taken seriously. This can be a sign of cancer (most commonly squamous cell carcinoma) which commonly develops in this location especially in high altitude regions with more intense ultraviolet light. This is more common in older horses. Left untreated, cancer of the sheath and penis becomes much more difficult to manage and treat.
Crusts and scabs can also result from the accumulation of debris (smegma) in the sheath. Scabs on the outer skin of the sheath occur due to insect irritation, as well as a variety of other disease processes.
Crusts and scabs can also result from the accumulation of debris (smegma) in the sheath. Scabs on the outer skin of the sheath occur due to insect irritation, as well as a variety of other disease processes.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If there is swelling and pain associated with this problem.
- If the problem seems severe, or involves a large area.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If the problem seems very mild and limited to a small area.
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to the appearance of the sheath and rectal temperature. Assess the sheath, feeling for heat, swelling or pain. Also notice the odor, which can be a clue to different conditions. If possible, gently clean your horse's sheath. Rinse well. However, do not handle the sheath if it is bleeding, ulcerated, swollen or reddened. Share your findings and concerns with your vet.What Not To Do
Do not take a "wait and see" approach.Do not assess or clean your horse's sheath if the horse resists. Your vet can clean the sheath while assessing this problem, and while your horse is tranquilized.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Less Common
your vet's role
Your vet usually tranquilizes geldings with medications that drop the penis. This allows better visualization of the penis and sheath and easier detection of problems. Depending upon the findings, they may suggest symptomatic treatment, or diagnostics (biopsy) to better understand the disease process.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How old is the horse?
- When did you first notice this problem?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- Can you send me a photo?
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
Rare
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
