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. The granulation tissue can become so large it appears to be a tumor. Excessive exuberant granulation tissue can be formed due to excessive movement of the healing tissue, contamination of the wound, and a reduced blood supply. Any significant wound should be evaluated and treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible, especially those of lower limbs. Bandaging is very important and helps prevent bacteria from contaminating the wound.