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Help for Proud Flesh

Published on Thursday, February 18, 2016 in Health

By: Mitch McBride & Eliza Barton/Ranvet

What is it? and Why does it occur?

Proud Flesh is the result of direct trauma to an area of the skin resulting in exuberant granulation of tissue formation to the point that the tissue protrudes from the wound with a tumour-like appearance. The development of granulation tissue is part of a natural healing process, most commonly experienced in the presence of an open wound. The formation of this tissue is to provide a barrier against infection, hold the surface of the wound together thus preventing an increase in wound size and also allowing a surface for new skin to bind.

Proud flesh is likely to occur in areas of the lower limb and joint surfaces. Areas subjected to routine movement, poor hygiene/bacterial attachment, poor blood supply, and lack of soft tissue are most likely to experience this problem if not carefully managed.

Granulation tissue does not contain a nerve supply and minimal pain is therefore experienced during removal. However, this tissue does have a blood supply and care should be taken when removing proud flesh as significant blood loss may occur following removal of large tissue. Depending on the extent of proud flesh, removal may be required, in which case a veterinarian should be consulted.

How do I treat it?

Ranvet’s Yellow Lotion is an astringent lotion which is applied to the surface of open wounds to reduce the occurrence of proud flesh and scaring. Yellow lotion provides a mixture of zinc sulphate, lead acetate and acriflavine.

Acriflavine is effective against external parasitic infections, bacterial infection (most effective against gram-positive bacterial strains), fungal infection, and to a certain extent has virucidal properties.

Zinc has numerous functions throughout the body, most importantly is its role in skin cell metabolism. Zinc indirectly activates cellular proliferation and initiates the healing process. Zinc is an effective antimicrobial agent and a deficiency has been found to delay wound healing and cause an increased susceptibility to infection. The application of zinc sulphate to an effected area is beneficial for accelerating wound healing.

Lead acetate has also been included in the formulation as an astringent compound to cause contraction/restriction of tissue and reduce the potential for proud flesh formation.

How do I apply Ranvet’s Yellow Lotion to an open wound?

  1. Before performing any form of first aid, an assessment needs to be made to determine if the wound is manageable or if veterinary assistance is required. If at all in doubt, call a veterinarian to assess the situation.
  2. Prior to applying any self-treatment to an open wound, it is important that the area is cleaned and free of any material which could promote infection. This is usually done via a lavage (flushing) technique using a sterile saline solution.
  3. Once the wound is clean, Ranvet’s Yellow Lotion may be sprayed liberally onto the surface of the wound. This will promote vasoconstriction, prevent excessive blood flow, and subsequent swelling, whilst reducing the potential for infection within the open wound.
  4. To ensure the wound is sealed from external debris, gauze soaked Ranvet’s Yellow Lotion may be applied directly to the surface of the wound.  A cotton pad may then be secured on top of the gauze and bandaged. Bandaging increases the chances of maintaining an aseptic environment and preventing any further contamination. The application of pressure is beneficial to stabilise the wound, minimising swelling, promote clotting in the affected area, and reduce anxiety which may be experienced by the horse in the presence of an open wound.
  5. It is advised that the above process be repeated frequently. Bandaging may need to be changed daily or as little as every 5 days depending on the severity of the wound and preservation of the existing bandaging. Studies indicate that open wounds heal faster if maintained in a moist environment, particularly during the initial stages of healing.

For more information please contact Ranvet’s Nutrition Team on 1800 727 217 or visit www.ranvet.com.au


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