It is not that common in horses and there is some confusion about the condition and relatively little is written about it. The condition involves inflammation of a lymphatic vessel or vessels. In the horse, this normally will occur in the rear leg and will be manifested by swelling. Chronic lymphangitis results in permanent swelling of the affected limb. Proud Flesh produces pebbly or granular looking tissue in healing wounds.
Granulation tissue is composed of small blood vessels and fibroblasts, but has no nerve supply.
Proud Flesh forms mainly in open wounds that have not been sutured. Proud Flesh is a very important and necessary part of wound healing in the horse however, there can be problems when the horse develops too much of this healing tissue. When granulation tissue grows out or protrudes from the wound, it is known as Proud Flesh. Proud flesh can prevent skin cells from covering the wound thus thwarting proper healing. It is very important for the healing wound to be managed properly.