Surgical Removal of Proud Flesh

Dr. Munish Julka

Rural Veterinary Officer

Civil Veterinary Hospital Saroopwali, Block-Batala, Distt. Gurdaspur

Introduction

Proud Flesh is the excessive growth of fibroblastic cells with vascular tissues leading to denser fibrotic tissues called Granulation Tissue. For wound healing, fibroblastic cells are necessary to fill in for lost tissue to the level just below the epidermis. If Granulation Tissue forms in excessive amount above the level of epidermis, the wound will not heal or defects in the skin or scar tissue (Proud Flesh) may persists.

Case History

A Holstein Friesian Cross female cow was presented in Civil Veterinary Hospital, Saroopwali with a history of fibroblastic growth on the left hock joint from last 4 months.

 Before Treatment

Closer View

Treatment and Discussions

Animal was restrained and casted. The site was prepared for surgery. Infiltration Anaesthesia Lignocaine 2% was administrated around the site. An Eliptical incision was given to remove the Fibrotic Tissue. Then the wound was left open for healing.

Inj. Intacef (Ceftriaxone) – 3g i/m, Inj. Melonex – 15ml i/m, Inj. Tribivet – 10ml i/m was administrated to the animal for 5 days. Ointment Himax was localy applied over the wound for 12 days. The wound was healed almost in 4 weeks.

Proud Flesh commonly occurs in wounds of horses at or below the knee or hock because this area of the leg consists of little muscle tissues and is mainly comprised of bone, ligaments and tendons. Consiquently, the skin is less likely to stretch over the wound. The cause of Proud Flesh is foreign material from the initial injury that may be still in the wound or  contaminants from the environment. Some disinfectants may also inhibit wound healing and promotes Proud Flesh.

After Treatment