Whether you’re a veterinarian or a horse owner, you’ve likely faced the dilemma of dealing with proud flesh on your equine friend. The granulation tissue that has grown into the wound has no idea when to stop, and keeps growing even after the wound’s edges have healed. While you may feel apprehensive, you shouldn’t have to feel helpless – you can take care of this condition with a few simple home remedies for proud flesh on horses.
Avoiding clays
Using poultices made of clays on your equine friend can be beneficial, but you should use them properly and only on the proper part of the animal. For instance, do not place the poultice on a wound, and don’t put your fingers on it. Instead, apply a small amount of clay to the area and dispose of the utensil. Be sure to apply the poultice with a positive intention and use a non-metal utensil. Reapply poultices when they begin to flake off and you notice a positive reaction.
The protrusion of the granulation tissue will cause a mushroom crown to form in the wound. This lump will grow many inches over the horse’s normal skin surface. This protruding lump is susceptible to infection and will prolong the healing process. Moreover, if left untreated, proud flesh will never resolve by itself. Instead, it’s important to use a natural approach for proper care.
Avoiding poultices
A granulation tissue mushroom crown can grow several inches beyond the surface of a horse’s skin. This protruding lump is prone to further injury, prolonging the healing process. Ultimately, proud flesh on horses does not heal on its own and requires veterinary care.
Preventing infection and the formation of proud flesh on horses is important. If you do not notice granulation tissue, contact a veterinarian. Veterinary treatment may include antibiotics and topical corticosteroid preparations. Topical steroids are often used to decrease the swelling and prevent granulation tissue from growing. In severe cases, veterinarians may recommend surgical debridement. Surgical treatment is usually required for large-scale injuries.
Avoiding creams with steroids
Many horse owners have heard about and used creams containing steroids for proud flesh on their horses. While these products may seem appealing, they are often ineffective. In reality, proud flesh is simply granulation tissue gone wild. Here are some ways to avoid proud flesh on horses. Read on to learn how to treat your horse’s skin, and prevent it in the future. And if you’re having a hard time finding a cure for your proud flesh, check with your veterinarian!
The best way to treat proud flesh on a horse is to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. A veterinarian will first determine the extent of the infection and recommend treatment. A veterinarian may also recommend a topical cortisone preparation to reduce inflammation and prevent the formation of granulation tissue. However, this method is only effective if it is used correctly and if the wound has not yet gotten infected.
Reducing motion in the area of the wound
When the healing process of a horse’s lower limb is interrupted, the wound develops proud flesh. This is pink, rough tissue containing numerous blood vessels but no nerve endings. This condition is common in horses and is exacerbated by a high degree of mobility and infection. Reducing motion in the area of the wound is essential to the healing process. Below are some of the best practices for managing proud flesh.
Immediately reduce motion in the area of the wound to prevent proud flesh. The tissue surrounding a wound can become exuberant and grow over the wound bed. In such cases, granulation tissue grows so quickly that it appears to take on a life of its own. It can enlarge to the point of appearing as a tumor on a leg. In addition, reducing motion in the area of the wound can prevent the growth of proud flesh.
Fast-acting healing spray
A fast-acting healing spray for proud flesh on horses is very effective at disinfecting a wound and preventing the formation of proud tissue. The skin surrounding the joints of a horse is constantly in motion. The wounds must heal as quickly as possible to avoid the risk of infection. PF Wonder Salve can be used to heal a wound without the need for surgery. PF Wonder Salve does not irritate the skin and is flexible, preventing the development of excessive tissue granulation.
Trimming granulation tissue
Often referred to as “proud flesh,” this excess connective tissue develops in areas of wounds. It is pale pink in color, contains numerous blood vessels, but does not have nerve endings. The tissue grows over the wound, filling in the area until it is flush with the surrounding skin. This condition is particularly common in wounds in the legs. To prevent proud flesh, cut off the tissue.
To reduce the appearance of proud flesh on horses, you can trim off granulation tissue. While this procedure isn’t painful, it will create a large amount of bleeding. Some horses will need sedation in this procedure. Fortunately, a scalpel blade doesn’t cause much pain for the horse. But be aware that trimming proud flesh on a horse may lead to significant bleeding.
Clemmie Roob
A veterinarian, Clemmie Roob earned her PhD in Biomedical Sciences. In addition to practicing veterinary medicine, she also develops web content professional, focusing in her writing on veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences and research, alternative and complementary medicine, and comparative medicine.
