How to Take Care of Proud Flesh

Proud flesh is the development of granulation tissue in horses. This kind of flesh develops quickly in equines, especially on areas that see a lot of movement such as joints. Proud flesh grows from the outside of a wound and is thicker than the wound around it. If left untreated, it can take months for a wound with proud flesh to heal, making the animal more susceptible to infections. It is also aesthetically unpleasing, particularly on show horses. Proud flesh can be treated using over-the-counter products, but the best way to handle proud flesh is to have a veterinarian surgically remove it.

Things You'll Need

  • Caustic powder designed to eat proud flesh
  • Steroid ointment
  • Gauze
  • Conforming bandage
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the wound gently using clear water and dry thoroughly.

    • 2

      Apply the caustic proud flesh product to the wound according to the package instructions. For liquid products, this will include stirring the liquid and painting it on the proud flesh. Some products come in powder, and are shaken and squeezed onto the wound. The powder dusts the wound when applied. Be careful not to get it on any skin that is not proud flesh as it is more difficult to apply accurately.

    • 3

      Place clean gauze over the wound and wrap it with a conforming bandage such as Co-Flex. Repeat the application of the caustic agent every day or every second day, according to package instructions, until the proud flesh is gone.

    • 4

      Apply steroid cream to the wound. Steroid cream inhibits the growth of proud flesh and will allow the wound to heal. Keep the wound bandaged, making sure to replace the bandages as necessary.