Penis

Does your horse have Urethral Beans: What they are, why they matter to me as a physical therapist, chiro, body worker etc.

Horse owners know that keeping their animals healthy involves regular grooming, hoof care, and dental checks. But there’s a lesser-known yet essential part of equine care: monitoring and removing urethral beans. These seemingly minor buildups can significantly impact your horse’s comfort and even movement if left unaddressed.

What Are Urethral Beans?

Urethral beans are small accumulations of smegma that form in the horse’s urethral fossa, the small pocket just above the urethral opening. Over time, smegma—a mixture of dead skin cells, oils, and other debris—can harden into small, rounded masses or “beans.”

Smegma is a natural secretion produced in the sheath to keep the area lubricated and protect sensitive skin. In geldings and stallions, this material can harden within the urethral fossa, creating what’s known as a ‘bean.’ Left unchecked, these accumulations can grow large enough to interfere with urination & even movement which is what concerns me as a physical therapist.

Why Removing Urethral Beans Is Important

Beans can restrict the urethral opening, causing discomfort or even leading to infections if bacteria builds up around the blockage. In severe cases, large beans may lead to urine spraying or pain when urinating, which can cause the horse to alter its posture or gait.

Discomfort from urethral beans or other infections of the sheath or penis may lead to behavioral changes, such as tail swishing, frequent attempts to urinate, or reluctance to move freely. A urethral bean, or infection if left unattended, can cause significant discomfort. Many horses may show their discomfort through even more subtle behavioral changes, such as irritation when urinating or issues that affect what I’m feeling through the rest of the body such as shifting weight or resisting certain movements. 

How Urethral Beans Affect Movement and Overall Comfort

The discomfort from a urethral bean can lead to changes in a horse’s stance or reluctance to engage in certain activities, affecting training and performance.

A horse in discomfort may develop coping mechanisms to manage the pain, such as altering their gait or moving with a “stiff” stance, which could lead to further musculoskeletal issues if untreated. Because horses are stoic animals, subtle signs like a slight hitch in their stride or unusual stiffness can be easy to overlook. However, these signs may indicate that a bean has reached a size that’s causing significant discomfort.

How to Safely Remove Urethral Beans

If you are unfamiliar with the process of removal or cleaning please contact your vet, as improper removal can cause injury or stress so veterinary guidance is essential, especially for first-timers. The process involves gently examining the urethral fossa for any signs of hardened smegma and carefully removing it if needed. I recommend a regular check and clean schedule, such as once every few months or as advised by a veterinarian, depending on the horse’s needs.

Some signs do suggest it’s time for removal, such as an increased amount of smegma around the sheath, weeing to one side, an obvious lump from the end of the penis.

When I visit for treatment, a lot of the time because the horse is often very relaxed they drop their penis so if I can safely, I will have a check for beans but there are also equine willy wash professionals. However, if your horse is particularly uncomfortable about being handled in this area a vet visit is definitely advised as sedation will probably be necessary. 

Conclusion

Adding urethral bean checks to your routine equine care to ensure your horse’s comfort, health, and performance is essential. Regular checks mean early detection, less discomfort, reduced risk of incorrect movement patterns developing and a happier, healthier horse.