Proud flesh is excessive granulation tissue that complicates wound healing in horses, particularly on the lower limbs. Appropriate management is essential for welfare and functional recovery.
Chronic wounds complicated by proud flesh cause prolonged suffering for horses. Open wounds on the lower limbs are painful, susceptible to infection, attract flies causing additional distress, and can ultimately result in functional impairment if healing is incomplete. The process of managing proud flesh through repeated surgical removal and bandaging is stressful and uncomfortable. Well-managed wounds with appropriate first aid, veterinary care, and bandaging progress to healing more quickly and with less welfare impact than neglected wounds that develop significant proud flesh. Prompt and appropriate initial wound care is the most welfare-positive approach.