Sore Hocks

Question
QUESTION: Hi there, while I was cleaning my rabbit's cage one day, I noticed that the hind of his feet are bleeding. After some online research, I found out that his was sore hocks. He lives in a plastic cage, and is not obese, though I usually don't let him run around too much. It could be due to his long nails, I'll have to cut them soon. I was just wondering what is the best treatment for sore hocks? There were some I found online, but I wanted some professional advice. Thank You.

ANSWER: Hi Amy,

Well, I am not a professional...but I have been treating "special needs" rabbits for many years.  My rabbits are also used to train vet students at a nearby vet school.  I have also developed several new treatment protocols that some vets are using.

Some rabbits, mostly rex rabbits, are prone to sore hocks.  And if his nails are too long, that changes his posture and changes the pressure points on the feet.  So I would get those clipped as soon as possible.  The way to treat sore hocks is to relieve the pressue that is causing the concern.  It is basically a friction injury much like a blister.  You might also look at his bedding used in his cage.  Sometimes that can cause sore hocks too.  I usually treat this condition with Silver Sulfadiazine (SSD).  It's a drug used for human burns...but is has good antibiotic qualities and really soothes the irritation.  It does require a prescription from a doctor (and I have no idea why).  Another option is basic old Neosproin.  Do not use the "Neosporin Plus" as it contains an analgesic that is not really good for rabbits.  Another option we have had great success with is Bag Balm.  It can be purchased at farm supply stores.  It is used on the udders of cows.  Best we have seen that doesn't need a RX and doesn't have components that can be harmful to your rabbit. You might try some different bedding until this clears up.  We use some of the pads that look like carpet that are designed specifically for handicapped dogs.  The top is thick carpet type fibers (and we have never had any rabbit to eat it) and the bottom part absorbs urine and moisture.  Some high end pet stores or vets either have this or can get it.  But try some different types of bedding and see what fits him best that keeps the moisture from the feet.

The key is getting his posture back to where it should be.  And sore hocks can take their time with healing.  We have been able to resolve every case we have had here by providing a comforting surface and using a topical on the injury.  Look carefully at his bedding in his cage and modify as needed to relieve pressure, get those nails clipped and apply a topical such as Neosporin or Bag Balm to the inflammed area.  I would not suggest trying to bandage the foot...doesn't usually work.

Randy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your advice, I will do that as soon as possible. I have another question, his cage is plastic, and he is stepping on flat surface-- there are no wires or anything to disturb his walking. I was wondering why, and how he developed sore hocks? His cage is clean, and he jumps into his litter box to urine, so he can't get it from the wetness. Are there are possible reasons on why he developed this? You're right, I tried bandaging the foot by wrapping a piece of small towel, and he just bits it off.

Answer
It is very possible that the long nails are causing this.  The long nails change the position of the foot so it puts pressure on spots that don't usually receive the friction.  He can also get carpet burn from this when he is out running around since the foot doesn't lie in a normal position.

We have had a few sore hocks here....mostly from rabbits with skeletal issues.  Eventually the spots will grow scar tissue..somthing like a callous...and the skin will become tougher an be less likely to become compromised.

What type of bedding are you using both in his cage and his litter box?

Randy