Why should I have my gelding's sheath cleaned?
Sheath cleaning is a common, routine procedure that should be a part of a horse's preventative care/wellness program.  The actual procedure involves cleaning the sheath and, most importantly, the urethral fossa (a pocket surrounding the end of the urethra-the urethral process). Sheath cleaning is performed due to the accumulation of smegma, a secretion of the sebaceous glands consisting of epithelial cells found within the prepuce. A "bean" can result if a large amount of smegma accumulates. If the bean becomes large, it has the potential to apply pressure to the urethra and disrupt urination. The sheath cleaning also allows examination for cancer and/or other injuries that may need treatment. Some horses require sedation for the procedure to be performed. Sheath cleaning can easily be performed while your horse is sedated for a dentistry appointment.