Checking hocks and problems with picking up

[LittleOreo]

Hi, I’m in need of some advice. I noticed last night when Oreo was lying down and had her legs stretched out that there are two small dark pink spots on her hind feet. I’ve been trying to look it up and found a lot of info on sore hocks and that hard surfaces could possibly cause it? Her cage flooring is plastic but I have a fleece liner on it (although Oreo tends to push it out of the way and lay on the plastic anyway) and outside the cage we have carpet, so at least I don’t think hard flooring is the problem.

Next trouble I’m having is that I can’t pick Oreo up and check her feet or anything. (Also the reason why I can’t get a photo of the spots on her feet.) I currently have some nice scratches over my arms in my attempt to check them. I watched my vet hold her when I got Oreo’s nails clipped and I even watched videos on how to do it, but after getting my hand under her chest, the moment when I go to lift her rear end up, she freaks out and kicks and wiggles until I let her go. Now she flees when she thinks I’m going to try picking her up and I’m beginning to feel quite discouraged. Any tips on how to pick up a rowdy bunny? I understand rabbits do not like being picked up, but is there another way for me to check her feet?

[pinknfwuffy]

If the spots you saw are just a pink color and not bright red, swollen, or bleeding than they are probably fine. The same happened to me. I saw Olaf stretched out and had never noticed his hocks like that before. This is usually because they are covered with protective fur. Sometimes they’re just visible when they sit a certain way. If you are worried she could have sore hocks definitely check in with a vet.

As for picking up your rabbit, that can be tricky. Mine doesn’t like to be held either. I would suggest trying a “bunny burrito” which is wrapping your rabbit up in a towel or blanket so you can lift them without any kicking or scratching. Some people lay the towel down and wrap it around them. Others put the towel over the rabbit and scoop them up while tucking it around them and holding their back feet firmly, but gently. If you can, next time you are at the vets ask them to demonstrate how and then help you try it a few times to practice.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Agreed with pinknfwuffy. PInk, hard callouses are fine. Most bunnies have them. They should be monitored regularly as part of your bunny maintenance. They are considered “sore hocks” when they become red, inflammed, cracked, or bleeding. Keeping nails short is very important in their prevention as is proper flooring. The best kind of flooring for areas where bun spends the most time is something they can sink their heels in. I use “Snoozzy Mats” and good quality Memory Foam Bath Mats.

[LittleOreo]

Thanks for the replies. As far as I can tell, both spots are pink in color (one may be a little darker in color than the other although it doesn’t seem inflamed. I really can’t get a good look at her feet unless she lays with them straight out behind her and she still doesn’t want me messing with her even in those moments)

@pinknfwuffy- I actually did see a video about the “bunny burrito”. I was wondering how you would check the back feet if the towel is wrapped around them though. I’m just amazed how much of a struggle Oreo gave me. My vet really made it seem simple to just kind of scoop her up and Oreo handled it fairly well when she did it.

@LittlePuffyTail- Monitoring is the problem I’m finding myself having now. Oreo wants me to have nothing to do with picking her up or touching her feet so I’m worried about being able to keep a check on her. I may have to try getting one of the mats and seeing if that helps. I’m a bit afraid she would be tempted to chew a mat though. 

[LittlePuffyTail]

Yes, any new mats or blankets should be carefully monitored for chewing. Luckily my buns are not chewers.

Most buns hate having their feet handled so it’s a hassle for me too. I get my husband to hold bunny “baby burb” style and I grab a foot and check it. We use this method for nail trims as well. If I try to look at Bindis feet on my own, he will turn around and try to bite me.

[pinknfwuffy]

I agree with LPT. Also, sometimes I burrito Olaf so he is secure and then sit him up/back like I’m cradling him at a 45 degree angle. This way I can still wrap one arm around him, keeping him tucked between my elbow and side, and peel back the towel a bit to see each foot one at a time. Note that this is different from trancing. I never lay him completely on his back. It can take some practice and if he struggles enough I just try again the next day. If you really can’t get it done safely, it might be worth trying to use treats. I would try holding a treat up against something that is just high enough for bunny to be stretched out using their paws to reach it (i.e. the edge of a chair or coffee table). Kneel next to them while you’re coaxing them to stand up and bend down to peek under the heels while they’re lifted to get the treat. Not a perfect science, but if they really have sore hocks you’d see a patch of fur missing at the heel and really raw, irritated skin.

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