Sore Hocks & Bunny Epilepsy Update

Question
Hi Dana,

Thanks again for your input on rabbit seizures. My bunny Nutmeg that I emailed you about in February is now being treated with a light does of Phenobarbital and is feeling much like her old self.  She had a full chem done and a white blood cell count.  He white blood cell count was low, so when we check her medicine level we're going to run it again.  The concern is that it may be E. cuniculi because there are no signs of bacterial infection.  Would E. cuniculi affect her white blood cell count?  I couldn't find much information on it.

I also noticed that she seems to be developing a touch of what seems to be sore hocks.  There are small patches on the bottom of her hind paws where the fur is missing and the skin is red.  I have been putting some vasoline on them (her vet said it was ok) until he can examine her.  I have had a fleece pet bed in her cage for some time...could her litter box be a potential cause for this since she likes to hang out there?  What treatment is there for sore hocks?  Will the fur ever come back?

Thanks!
Holly

Answer
Dear Holly,

E. cuniculi isn't expected to raise or lower a bunny's white count, though parasitic infections can do odd things to blood cells.  You might wish to consult your vet about this, but the low count may have nothing to do with E. cuniculi.

If you are planning to treat for E. cuniculi, note that the most recent drugs now being used for this are fenbendazole (Panacur), oxibendazole, or ponazuril (Marquis, by Bayer).  It's not a death sentence, and it might be wise to treat prophylactically, if your vet suspects that symptoms of E. cuniculi infection are developing.  Please ask your vet about that, too.

Sore hocks can be caused by many things, from improper posture (due perhaps to arthritis, or abnormal movement--possibly due to E. cuniculi?), obesity, improper flooring, or other things.  I doubt the fleece is a problem. If the little spots are no more than red calluses, then it might help to actually "comb over" the foot fur that's normally folded over the bare spot and add a tiny dab of super glue to stick the fur to the *fur* (NOT to the skin!  Only fur to fur!).  This makes a nice little "foot toupe" that will cushion her and help keep her from getting open sores.

Another treatment for sore hocks can be found here:

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

Hope that helps.

Dana