Sore Hocks….. Again

[EMRabbits]

I know I have mentioned this in my other post, but I am getting very frustrated. My Rex rabbits suffer from on and off sore hocks. A few years ago I had to take Marge to the vet to get pills and an ointment. Essie got one or two after that, but they cleared up on their own. Now Essie has a really bad one on her right foot. I try to keep their cages clean, they have blankets to sit on plus plastic cage bottom. Essie isn’t really that overweight. She does poop all in her cage all the time. I’ve been considering going to the vet, but is there a home remedy i could try first? My family blames me for the sore hocks saying I could keep the cage cleaner, but I try to keep Essie’s cage clean she just likes pooping in it.  I’m really worried about it. I have used betadine before, but I can’t find a small bottle of it and it doesn’t have a consistent effectiveness. 

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

How much time do they get outside of their cage? I think they may need to move and stretch out more possibly?

Also try putting those foam puzzle pieces down in the cage and then line it with something on top, like coroplast (to keep them from chewing the foam)-this really helps take the pressure off.

[lzrddr]

‘Essie isn’t really that overweight’… being overweight at all is a problem so I might concentrate on that issue as well as the hock problem. Try to keep her on a mostly hay and greens diet (decrease or stop the pellets). Is there an open sore now, or just a red, bald spot? If open, you really need to seek some professional help ASAP, and maybe have them show you how to bandage the feet so you can do that yourself from now on (not necessarily that easy- takes some practice). May also need antibiotics if open sore. I agree with trying to let her run around the yard a lot (if you have one that is well fenced in). Never seen sore hocks in a yard rabbit. The more they move about and get exercise, the better for not just the feet, but the whole bunny.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Some rabbits are just prone to sore hocks, no matter what you do. My lop, Bindi, was not overweight and had lots of blankets in his condo but still got sore hocks. I bought Snoozy Mats to line his condo and they are amazing. I totally swear by them for sore hocks. You can get them at the pet store (they are made to line dog crates and come in different sizes) or online:

 

 

 

Are the hocks just red looking or open sores and bloody? Open or bloody sores need vet attention and oral antibiotics to prevent abscesses. Once abscesses form they are extremely difficult to eradicate. My vet gave me a product called Dermagel to apply to the feet which seemed to help. She also gave me a surgical scrub to clean the wounds.

Do you keep the nails trimmed short? This is also very important in preventing sores.

[EMRabbits]

I have decided to take her to the vet. *decides to not rant about how far away the vet is* She looks like she is in pain and she isn’t moving around much. And there are open sores on it. 

I will definitely look into those mat things. It is comforting to know someone else has had trouble with sore hocks for no real reason.

[LittlePuffyTail]

How did the vet visit go?

[EMRabbits]

I haven’t gotten a chance yet. I plan to call to set up an appointment today. It is so far away I have to plan the visits several days ahead. But it is the nearest rabbit vet to me.

[Sarita]

Is this a callous – like a spot. A sore hock is an actual infection.

[Author]

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