Health Concerns in Older Geldings Video

In this video, Dr. Rachel Doenges gives us some tips on caring for older geldings. Doenges is a veterinarian at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky.

Whether your horse was recently gelded or has been a gelding for many years, there are some things owners and managers need to be on the lookout for.

(Editor’s note: The content of this video is the expert’s approach to the topic. Please consult with your practitioner if you have questions.)

External Genitalia

“The big thing is evaluating their external genitalia,” said Doenges. “In the gelding, the big thing we are going to be checking is their prepuce and penis.”

She said owners and managers should be looking at a gelding’s genitalia every few weeks. This includes looking at the penis when it is ‘dropped down.’

“The big things we would worry about is if there is any sort of mass,” she noted. “Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common mass of the sheath and penis of the horse. These masses can become very big, very quickly.”

Doenges said the masses also can become ulcerated and infected, making them a major problem. That means the earlier that owners and managers can find them, the better the potential outcome.

“Unfortunately, some of these masses will get so large that penile amputation is our only option,” she said. “So, if we can treat them early, that is ideal!:

Sheath Cleaning

There has been some research indicating that smegma (the discharge in the prepuce and sheath) can predispose a horse to developing squamous cell carcinoma.

Doenges said it is important to routinely clean the sheath in geldings. “This isn’t something you have to do every week, but if it is getting dirty, I would clean it every few months just to take away that risk,” she advised.

Urination

The other thing that is important to notice in geldings and stallions is to make sure they are urinating normally, Doenges said.

Abnormal urination can including straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and uncomfortable urination. All of those signs can indicate a urinary tract issue. Urinary stones are one of the most common issues in geldings and stallions. Any urinary tract or other issues with your gelding should be discussed with your veterinarian.