Some "delicate" questions
Backstory:
A couple of months ago I noticed had some edema on Jack's belly. It was quite large, so we got the vet to have a look at it. She didn't seem to think it was anything to worry about, that he had probably kicked himself, and sure enough it had gone down in about a week.
However, she did mention that his sheath looked swollen, and that it was a bit smelly. She advised cleaning it with some warm water.
Confession time - I have never cleaned Jack's sheath before (I know, I'm a terrible owner) but on the vets advice I set to with enthusiasm. It was indeed very smelly, enough to make me gag a bit, and I got out a load of sticky black tar-like gunk. Gross! I'm having to do it every week or so, before it swells again. Is this a normal frequency for sheath cleaning?
The trouble is, he won't drop his penis. Ever. Even when he has a wee, he'll drop it maybe a couple of inches and then it goes straight back in again. I am beginning to wonder whether this is causing his sheath troubles, or whether it is a result of them. I have 2 main questions:
1) I feel like I am not really cleaning it properly, and that to do so means I really need to get him to drop so I can really get at it. Is heavy sedation the only option? Or is there any other techniques I could employ to encourage his little friend out of it's house? lol.
2) At the moment I am using warm water. Should I look for a specialist sheath cleaning product? If so, any recommendations (I am in the UK)? A friend mentioned trying baby soap, which I guess would be nice and gentle, but I'm not too sure.
Me, Jack and his boy bits thank you in advance :)
EDIT: Thanks for all your great advice. I think I'm going to cut my nails, arm myself with carrots, gloves, lube and tons of warm water and do the best I can. If I still have no success, then it probably time I called the vet for an SOS (Save Our Sheath) ;).
A couple of months ago I noticed had some edema on Jack's belly. It was quite large, so we got the vet to have a look at it. She didn't seem to think it was anything to worry about, that he had probably kicked himself, and sure enough it had gone down in about a week.
However, she did mention that his sheath looked swollen, and that it was a bit smelly. She advised cleaning it with some warm water.
Confession time - I have never cleaned Jack's sheath before (I know, I'm a terrible owner) but on the vets advice I set to with enthusiasm. It was indeed very smelly, enough to make me gag a bit, and I got out a load of sticky black tar-like gunk. Gross! I'm having to do it every week or so, before it swells again. Is this a normal frequency for sheath cleaning?
The trouble is, he won't drop his penis. Ever. Even when he has a wee, he'll drop it maybe a couple of inches and then it goes straight back in again. I am beginning to wonder whether this is causing his sheath troubles, or whether it is a result of them. I have 2 main questions:
1) I feel like I am not really cleaning it properly, and that to do so means I really need to get him to drop so I can really get at it. Is heavy sedation the only option? Or is there any other techniques I could employ to encourage his little friend out of it's house? lol.
2) At the moment I am using warm water. Should I look for a specialist sheath cleaning product? If so, any recommendations (I am in the UK)? A friend mentioned trying baby soap, which I guess would be nice and gentle, but I'm not too sure.
Me, Jack and his boy bits thank you in advance :)
EDIT: Thanks for all your great advice. I think I'm going to cut my nails, arm myself with carrots, gloves, lube and tons of warm water and do the best I can. If I still have no success, then it probably time I called the vet for an SOS (Save Our Sheath) ;).