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Discussion on Chronic Yeast Infection in the Sheath
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Member:
Jwsmith
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Posted on Thursday, Nov 3, 2005 - 9:04 pm:
I have a gelding that has a chronic yeast infection in his sheath. About one year ago, I had a culture done and it came back positive for yeast infection. My vet had me use 'over the counter' woman's feminine products, such as Vagisil. This seemed to slow down the yeast but the infection continues to re-surface. The sheath becomes swollen when the smegma builds up. It is reddish and very smelly. I try not to clean the sheath with Excalibur too often, because I know that it can interfere with the normal balance of the tissue. I will, however, take rolled cotton, dip it in cold water and wipe the inside of the sheath to remove as much of the smegma as possible. I do this about once every two weeks. I use cold water, because I know yeast grows best in warm areas. He seems itchy and irritated by the infection. I do, do regular cleanings, getting the beans out, etc. but I try to space these cleanings out to once every 4 months or so.
Do you think I should have a different culture done? Is it a good idea to use products such as vagisil? I don't have him on any probiotics. He is an EPSM horse, on two cups of oil per day. General condition seems fine, otherwise.
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Thursday, Nov 3, 2005 - 10:23 pm:
Jeanne,
Until Dr. O writes back I can offer some information from my nursing experience as I spent some time as a family practice nurse. To my knowledge the active ingredients in human Vagisil are benzocaine 5% and Resorcinol 2% which might help with itch related to yeast infections but I don't think it has any antifungal properties to combat yeast itself. I know that Vagisil, according to their product web site, does have a yeast itch suppository but it too doesn't have any antifungal ingredients.
Just a little info to tide you over until you get a response from Dr. O.
Hope your gelding feels better 
Have a great night.
v/r
Corinne
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Friday, Nov 4, 2005 - 12:35 am:
Wouldn't Monostat or similar treatment be better? Also, there is an informative book on human yeast infections and treatments called "The Yeast Connection" if I remember correctly. I would think a lot of it's advice would apply to equines as well as humans.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Nov 4, 2005 - 8:45 am:
These guys are right on, Vagisil is more palliative and prolonged specific anti-fungal therapy indicated. I will presume the organism is Candida (?) and if so would suggest you use one of the azole anti-fungals (Monostat is miconAZOLE for instance). Your biggest challenge will probably be finding a delivery method that effectively treats the whole sheath. I would think a large volume liquid in a elongated squirt bottle to be sure you are getting to the very back of the sheath would be best. Treatment twice daily for 30 days would be my goal. Talk these ideas over with your vet.
DrO
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Member:
Corinne
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Posted on Friday, Nov 4, 2005 - 10:23 am:
Jeanne,
Because Brand names of these creams can be expensive and usually only come in small 1.oz tubes, and you have to do twice daily treatments for one month, I suggest going to your local pharmacy and asking for the generic version of a "zole". Generics are the same product and may only differ in strength so a Pharm D can help you find the same medication in a generic form. They are usually much more affordable.
Also, I think a 50 cc syringe may do the trick in helping to administer the medication. You can also get some from the pharmacy, or a vet's office etc. Pull the plunger out and squeeze the needed amount of meds in (per your vet's suggestion) then put the plunger back in and depress it until there is no air...then you should be ready to go!
Just some suggestions I thought might help you get the meds and provide ease of application.
Once again, I hope your boy feels better...a chronic yeast infection has got to be annoying to say the least!
Have a great day!
v/r
Corinne
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Member:
Jwsmith
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Posted on Friday, Nov 4, 2005 - 11:00 am:
Thanks everyone! Great feedback! Can't wait to do a follow-up post for everyone in 30 days (or so)!
Justin also thanks you!
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