QuestionI have read your excellent answer and description of how to wrap a bun's sore hocks. However, in the answer at http://en.allexperts.com/q/Rabbits-703/Sore-Hocks-1.htm you list 5 steps in covering an open sore with this rabbit fur bandage, then in the link at www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sorehocks.html you say never to use this wrapping on an open sore. This is confusing. Do you mean never use the fur/vetwrap directly on the open sore, just over an antiseptic dressing, or not to use the wrap at all in that case?
Petra
AnswerDear Petra,
Sorry the message wasn't clear. I guess I'd better see if I can go back and fix it!
If there is an open sore, we put an antiseptic dressing directly on the wound (betadine ointment with gauze works well), and *then* put the fur padding on top, before wrapping.
If you put fur directly on the open wound, it will get very messy and full of potentially bacteria-covered fur. So always protect with a very soft gauze, if there are open sores.
Another alternative is to use a Dr. Scholl's foot cushion, make a "doughnut" around the sore as it heals, and put the gauze over that, so it doesn't stick too much. And *then* put the wool padding and vetwrap over it.
Hope that makes it more clear, but please write back if it doesn't.
Dana