Wounds on a horse's leg are quite common and can be difficult to manage. Most horse owners are familiar with the struggles of wound management, especially proud flesh. This condition can seem intimidating to horse owners, but did you know that HoneyCure can help treat proud flesh?  

What causes proud flesh?

There are four stages of wound healing: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. During the third stage of wound healing, proliferation, the body pushes nutrients and oxygen to the wound and encourages the growth of a connective tissue called granulation tissue. Granulation tissue is an essential part of the wound healing process and helps with wound closure, but when there is an overgrowth of this tissue it becomes proud flesh. Proud flesh occurs especially when the wound is reinflamed after healing has started, encouraging the overproduction of granulation tissue. Proud flesh prevents the wound from closing, which hinders the wound from entering the final stage of healing, the maturation phase.

What does proud flesh look like?

Granulation tissue is red and bumpy and contains oxygen-supplying blood cells. The overgrowth of tissue outside of the wound begins to look like a head of cauliflower because of its dome-like shape. Since the wound is not healing properly, this puts your horse at a higher risk for developing infections, and prolongs the discomfort caused by the wound. It is necessary to consult your veterinarian if you think your horse may be developing proud flesh.

Why are horses prone to proud flesh?

Any mammal can develop proud flesh, but horses are more likely to have an overgrowth of granulation tissue compared to other animals. Horses having high tissue tension, or tight skin, increases their chances of developing proud flesh in a wound.

How do you treat proud flesh? 

If you think that your horse may be developing proud flesh, you should contact your veterinarian immediately to develop a treatment plan. Your veterinarian might prescribe a topical steroid or tissue removal. If your veterinarian removes granulation tissue they may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. HoneyCure can be used alongside antibiotics to help treat the overgrowth of granulation tissue due to excessive inflammation of a wound. HoneyCure is an effective way to help with an inflamed wound. 

Proud flesh is a frustrating condition for horse owners to manage, which is why it is vital to be aware of the signs and symptoms. If your horse gets injured, seek medical attention to ensure that all dirt, debris, or foreign objects are removed from the wound to lower the risk of infection and prolonged inflammation. Always talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you may have about your horse's wound and treatment plan.

Works Cited: 

1. Brock, Maria. “Proud Flesh- What Is It and How Can You Treat It?” Mobile Veterinary Services, Mobile Veterinary Services, 7 July 2022, www.mvsequine.com/proud-flesh-what-is-it-and-how-can-you-treat-it/. 

2. “Proud Flesh.” AAEP, 23 Apr. 2024, aaep.org/horsehealth/understanding-proud-flesh. 

3. “Resource Library.” AAEP, 23 Apr. 2024, aaep.org/horsehealth/understanding-proud-flesh#:~:text=Horses%20are%20more%20prone%20to,and%20mobility%20in%20these%20areas.