Pododermatitis in My Bunny

[Desert_Bunny]

Pododermatitis aka “sore Hocks” aka “Bumble Foot” I’ve been dragged into a rabbit hole and I want out!

I’ve noticed there are lots of posts about this topic. Here is mine.

My rabbit, Skye, is now around ten years old and in excellent health. An English Spot mixed, he weighs around 4.35 pounds (1.97 kilogram). Still does binkies and zoomies. Loves to jump up in the recliner and play with his towels. He is the fourth rabbit I have loved in my life. All except one lived very long lives. The one who didn’t was a castoff with many issues and, worst of all, a vet who screwed up.

All my rabbits free roam. Their home is a kitchen with a combination floor consisting of tile and large area mats. The litter boxes have plastic sifting screens.

Anyway, in August 2025 Skye was in for his annual exam and RHD2 vaccination. The vet noticed he had a small “scab” on the edge/rear end of his right foot. She said it was nothing to worry about given his age.

In October, I noticed some tiny blood spots on a paper towel while I was grooming him. That led to the vet and a month of being wrapped in a leg bandage. Which cost over $500. Three different doctors at the clinic examined him. They are rabbit-wise doctors. As a side note, I have to give another “minus” for living in Phoenix. The number of rabbit vets here is abysmal.

After coming out of his bandage on Thanksgiving Eve day, the vet told me Sky’s “scab” would fall or be picked off and everything should be fine after that. He did have some mobility issues from being bandaged for so long, but that quickly resolved itself. No later than that evening, he PICKED it off, and of course it bled. Clotted very fast, but who wants to see bunny blood anywhere? Especially right before a holiday?

I waited a couple of days and then began applying Aquaphor to the site, which had “rescabbed.” That, or aloe, was recommended by the vet. She specifically did not recommend neo or polysporin.

No surprise; he picked it off AGAIN! And it bled, but not as much as before. This time I changed the plan and have been applying Aquaphor 2X a day. So far, only a tiny “scab.” No more picking. I also buffed up the flooring in his Maze Haven, which is where he spends 90% of his time. Lots of soft bath towels and double layers of sheets.

All of this left me wondering why I spent the $500+? I am reluctant to have his foot rebandaged for any great length of time. Plus, at $150 per rewrap, it would be very expensive. And if he’s bandaged for like two months, what kind of mobility issues would he face? Is this truly Pododermatitis, or is it some kind of callus? I did buy some rabbit hock socks online, and I think they would fit him if I choose to go that way. Or maybe it’s possible the added soft flooring in his house will help see this condition go away. Or is it chronic, and I’ll have to deal with it for the rest of his life?

He’s not in any pain. He does not react adversely (other than wanting me to release him) while I am applying the Aquaphor. He runs fine. Especially when I tempt him with an Oxbow Simple Rewards treat.

Comments?

[LBJ10]

You mentioned tile. So is this soft blankets, etc. on top of tile? Could you try some foam mats between the tile and blankets? I had to do some experimenting, but I found the foam puzzle mats offer the best balance between having some give, but not being too squishy. The only issue is making sure somebunny doesn’t try to eat it.

As for the socks, some people have had luck with them. If the bandage inhibits movement, perhaps the socks will allow more flexibility.

[Desert_Bunny]

In his house now he has floor tile (base), then two bedsheets folded down to fit the area, then four bath towels folded to fit on top of that. It’s much softer than the original tile. I don’t get why he has a problem when all of my other bunnies have been fine.  I saw zero improvement for all the time he was bandaged. In fact, after the bandages he was more prone to picking off the scab or crust on top of the affected area.

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