Windt
im Wald Farm
Geauga County, Northeast Ohio
since 1995
"Proud Flesh"
Too much of a good thing?
Jim Hamilton, DVM
One of the more common conditions
that a vet is called in for are leg cuts. Depending on where on
the leg it is and how big it is, the would is either sutured or
cleaned up, bandaged and allowed to heal from the inside out. In
either case, the most important thing is to discover the problem
early because studies have shone that complications are much
more likely with older wounds.
The two most common complications are infection and "exuberant granulation
tissue" or Proud Flesh. If a cut gets infected again, the sooner
it's recognized, the easier it is to deal with. Antibiotics are
very important in combating infection and should be used both topically
and systemically. Diligence is critical if infection is to be overcome;
daily cleaning with an antibacterial soap and application of
an antiseptic dressing are critical. Proud flesh is also a problem
that requires persistence if it is to be beat! When a wound begins
to heal the new tissue is very fragile. If the wound is located
near a joint where there is a lot of motion, the fragile new tissue
tends to break down and rebuild several times before the cut entirely
heals. Occasionally the rebuilding phase gets out of control and
new tissue "overflows" the wound - this is what is called
proud flesh. If recognized early, one of the several wound
powders such as Wonder Dust arrests the progression and proper
healing can then occur. More often then not, the proud flesh gets
a head start before it's recognized and then a more aggressive approach
may be needed. Cutting or cauterizing (burning) back the mound of
tissue is often necessary. As a result of this, the wound is now
flush with the skin and if watched carefully, will heal properly
leaving little to no scar.
Wound care is part science and part art. What to do and when to
do it comes with experience and if properly guided by a veterinarian,
the horse owner can almost turn a sow's ear into a silk purse.
