When I adopted Deja 5 months ago, I noticed right away that she had sore hocks. I read that sore hocks are more common with Rex fur, and I was told she came from a breeding situation so that may have contributed. I took her to the vet immediately who gave her a round of antibiotics and probiotics. Her fur has yet to grow back and the hocks have not healed. They do not openly bleed, but look red and calloused. Her play space is carpeted and I keep a clean soft towel on the bottom of her crate as advised by the vet, but it doesn’t seem to be helping.
In addition, she’s had trouble with diarrhea, which has been incredibly alarming. When I first adopted her, I was giving her fresh veggies daily. The diarrhea came a few weeks after finishing her medications for her sore hocks. It was not soft stools, but blotches of liquid that would appear on the towels I line her cage with. They almost always appeared overnight. I spoke with the vet who said it may have to do with the fresh fruits and veggies. I started to wean her off of them. I made sure she was well hydrated and there were no other red flags. She was pooping regularly in addition to the diarrhea, drinking plenty of water, eating plenty of hay, binkying, playing. Everything appeared normal, but a few times a week there would be diarrhea stains on the towel. This went on for weeks, even after I stoped giving fresh veggies and fruit, and only ended a couple weeks ago.
She hasn’t had diarrhea for about 2 weeks now and I’m wondering if anyone has any idea what may have caused it, in the absence of any other GI warning signs. Should I begin to reintroduce fresh foods? Right now she is strictly on hay and pellets and I worry about upsetting her digestive system but I want to make sure she’s well nourished. I’m also hoping for advise on how I can help heal her hocks. She’s a sweet and loving rabbit who deserves a better life after such a rough beginning, I want to help get her on the right track! Thank you so much!
– Deja’s human