Use of triamcinolone as treatment of granulation tissue (Proud flesh) in horses: case report

Abstract

The occurrence of wounds and traumas in horses is relatively frequent of those animals. Because of having a great reserve of energy, combined with the agility and the instinct to run or fight, besides other factors, those animals are more predisposed to the occurrence of wounds. The management of wounds in horses is relatively delicate, since complications are not uncommon, and it can delay the treatment, as well as raise costs and require special care. Some points should be observed when handling wounds in horses, such as complete epithelialization without scar formation; shorter treatment time; avoid recurrence or complications that prolong the treatment, reduce costs. Exuberant granulation tissue is a common complication that occurs during the management of wounds in horses, and may be caused by prolonged treatment, wounds in regions with more moviments, infections, among other factors. Currently, there are several forms of treatment of exuberant granulation tissue in horses.The objective of this study was to report the success of the topical use of triamcinolone in three horses that presented exuberant granulation tissue growth. The horses presented exuberant granulation tissue growth in the distal region of the thoracic limb after trauma that generated the lesion. Treatment with 1mg triamcinolone ointment was started as an attempt to control and reduce the granulation tissue and allow the wound to heal completely and it was effective in all three treated cases, since the granulation tissue was reduced and the wound healed without major scars or any other damage to the horse.