17/03/2026
Proud flash in donkey
Treating proud flesh (exuberant granulation tissue) in donkeys involves reducing the excessive tissue to skin level through surgical excision by a veterinarian, followed by topical treatments like steroid-antibiotic creams (e.g., Panalog), copper sulfate, or pressure bandages. Early, clean bandaging of lower limb wounds is key to prevention.
Large Animal Review +4
Key Treatments for Proud Flesh
Veterinary Surgical Excision: Because proud flesh lacks nerve endings, veterinarians can cut it back to skin level without pain to the donkey, allowing the skin to close over.
Topical Steroid Creams: Antibiotic-steroid ointments such as Panalog, Animax, or Quadrotop help reduce the inflammation that causes excessive tissue growth.
Caustic Agents: Copper sulfate (often in powder form) or special wound powders like Wonder Dust can be applied to "burn" or shrink the granulation tissue, but they should be used carefully to avoid harming healthy skin.
Pressure Bandaging: Consistent pressure with a sterile bandage restricts the blood supply to the granulation tissue, preventing it from rising above the skin.
Wound Management: Keeping the wound clean with antiseptics like chlorhexidine or Betadine reduces infection, which is a major contributor to proud flesh.
AAEP +4
Management Tips
Location Matters: Wounds on the lower legs, particularly over joints, are highly prone to proud flesh due to lack of skin mobility and high contamination.
Prevention: Treat wounds immediately, manage infection, and keep wounds covered and clean to prevent tissue from proliferating.
Follow Up: Regularly check that the wound edges are growing inward, not upward, and consult a vet if the tissue becomes red, vascular, or bumpy.