Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Proud flesh develops when normal proliferative phase of wound healing process proceeds unrestricted.
Reason (R): This predisposition occurs due to high tissue tension and movement that prevents the healing of a wound.
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

Remember that "Proud flesh" is a common equine clinical problem. It is caused by chronic motion and high tissue tension on the lower limbs, which keeps stimulating the proliferative phase of wound healing.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
"Proud flesh" (exuberant granulation tissue) is a pathologic complication of wound healing in veterinary medicine, characterized by an overgrowth of granulation tissue that projects above the level of the surrounding skin.
This condition is most commonly observed in horses during the repair of lower limb wounds.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
- Assertion (A): Wound healing proceeds through distinct phases: inflammatory, proliferative (granulation tissue formation and fibroplasia), and remodeling. Proud flesh develops when the normal proliferative phase of the wound healing process proceeds unchecked and unrestricted. This overgrowth prevents the overlying epithelial cells from migrating across the wound surface, thereby halting proper epithelialization. Thus, Assertion (A) is true.
- Reason (R): Horses are highly predisposed to proud flesh, particularly in their distal limbs. This anatomical area is characterized by minimal soft tissue coverage, high skin and tissue tension, and constant joint movement. This constant movement and tension disrupt the fragile early healing tissue, causing chronic micro-trauma. This ongoing irritation stimulates a persistent inflammatory response, preventing the wound from transitioning from the proliferative phase to the remodeling phase, leading to unrestricted granulation. Thus, Reason (R) is true and directly explains the physiological basis of the assertion.
Therefore, both statements are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A), which corresponds to option (A).