As a horse’s wound begins to heal, pinkish granulation tissue fills in the gaps between soft tissues. Granulation tissue normally stops forming as the skin edges grow together to close the wound. But when healing doesn’t go according to plan, the granulation tissue becomes exuberant. It keeps growing until it bulges above skin level keeping newly formed skin from growing over the wound. That’s proud flesh.
Allison Haspel, DVM, reminds us that early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial for complete wound healing. She explains the wound healing process and how to prevent and manage proud flesh, including getting a veterinarian involved sooner than later.
Source: The Horse, May 29, 2023. Link.
Also see: Help! My horse’s wound is near a joint, The Horse, May 12, 2023. Link. The author shares common mistakes well-intentioned owners make when handling injuries near joints along with steps for on-farm and in-clinic care.