Exuberant granulation tissue (EGT), commonly referred to as proud flesh, is a condition that occurs frequently in horses during the wound healing process. In general, wounds on horses can be particularly difficult and slow to heal. When horses develop large wounds, especially within the lower limb region, head, and/or on a joint, it further complicates the healing process, as wounds in these areas are a challenge to keep clean and are more likely to have delayed healing due to the presence of an infection, continued use (especially if in areas of the legs in which horses use to lay down and get up from rolling in the soil in pastures or bedding in stalls) and due to reduced circulation at these sites.
When wounds are delayed in healing, it triggers the growth of excessive granulation tissue, which projects above the perimeter of the skin surrounding the confines of the original wound. When this occurs, it prevents hair from growing back and is disfiguring and unsightly. This excessive tissue is also very susceptible to breakage and re-injury.