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treating sore hocks

22 10:42:39

Question
I 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

Answer
Dear 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