Ridecamp: [RC] Sheath Infection

HELP!

My 12 year old Arab x QH gelding, Magnum, has a terrible sheath infection. This 
infection is unlike 'regular' sheath infections that occur in dirty sheaths. 
Those type of infections are usually non-painful and cool to touch. Magnum's 
sheath was clean so that is not the case. He is swollen (cantaloupe size), 
sore, and hot to touch. He is very stiff. There was blood at the tip and now it 
seems to be dripping urine. The vet is baffled and thinks that perhaps bacteria 
may have entered through the tip or a small external wound.

His sheath was flushed out by the vet last week and he was given a shot of 
steroids. He's been on a course of Bute for 5 days and broad spectrum 
antibiotics for 4 days. NO IMPROVEMENT. He's very stiff and I have been walking 
him to improve circulation and trying to get it to drain. The vet speculates 
that perhaps the antibiotics didn't work because the bacteria may have been 
Gram - (and the antibiotic was broad spectrum). Next step is expensive IV 
treatment and a diueretic.

So my question - if anyone has ever heard of a similiar thing happening, or 
been through it themselves, PLEASE let me know! I'm very concerned for my sweet 
Magnum and the vet is baffled too!

Thanks,

Tamara

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