Sore Hock

Question
"My rabbit Casper is 10 1/2 years old and has developed sore hock.
 He is on pain meds and I have been applying antibiotic ointment and he
is also on baytril.  I've read that this is a slow healing process
and so I need all the tips that I can get. I've layered his cage in
fleece, and have bandaged his feet to keep them clean and dry.  I don't
know if this is helpful or not.  Luckily he is eating, but he is
depressed, but he does have his good moments.  I've read on some other
sites that you can use new skin and it works wonders.  I'm not sure if
I should use it or not, it burns when I use it, won't it be
incredibly painful to him.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Carrie"  

Answer
Dear Carrie,

I wouldn't use New Skin for exactly the reason you mention.  But I do suggest that you can wrap his feet so that he's more comfortable with the instructions here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sorehocks.html

The key is to use rabbit fur as padding, and also to be SURE to cut a hole in the bandage on top of his ankle, where it flexes.  Otherwise, it will constantly pinch and make him miserable.

Hope this helps!

Dana