Heat = Infection??

[lubuzz]

My horse got kicked in the field a few days ago on the inside of his back leg. The cut looks like its healing fine and scabing nicely from what i can see. But... when i touch it theres a huge amount of heat around the area, but no swelling.
My boy is a baby and a huge wimp and lashes out and gets very upset when i even look it (without even touching it) and gets worse when i try to clean it etc so i really cant get a proper look.

I have always been told that heat means theres an infection and as its very hot i am getting abit worried. Does anyone know if this is true??

I think the only way to put my mind at rest now is going to be a visit from the vet *sigh* and some sedation.....

 

[scarymare]

Its the body's immune response and means that a foreign material has got into the leg. The heat is a response to stop it spreading further. Part of the natural healing/protection process. However, if you are worried then call the vet and defo call for an anti-tet if not already vaccinated.