Very Common
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
Sheath Smells
Summary
An unpleasant odor coming from the sheath may or may not be a sign of an underlying problem. A normal sheath has some odor. In most cases, noticeable sheath odor will improve somewhat with sheath cleaning.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If sheath swelling or a sheath lesion is obvious, in addition to this sign.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If the horse seems normal other than this sign.
your role
What To Do
Evaluate the sheath looking for masses, sores or other injury or trauma. Feel for swelling, pain to manipulation of the sheath, heat, or evidence of excessive discharge. If you normally clean your horse's sheath yourself, you can try to do that and see if the odor improves after a few days.If the problem is not resolved with cleaning or you notice any abnormality or problems in addition to the odor, contact your vet with your findings and concerns.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet will usually sedate the horse to drop the penis for a thorough examination and cleaning.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Do you notice any abnormalities of the penis or sheath?
- Do you notice any swelling of the sheath?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- Do you routinely clean the horse's sheath?
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.
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
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health