Product recommendations for Callus Sore hocks changing during social distancing

[Lindsayjgunn]

Hi everyone, I have posted here before regarding my 4.5 year old holland lop named Mowgli. I have been struggling with the development of calluses on his back heels for about 1.5 years and in that time I’ve taken him to the vet numerous times only for them to say he is fine, they are seen in most rabbits and that they are in stage one of pododermatitis.</p>

• Also his front paws seem to always be pink and bare like a cats. I don’t think it’s normal but again can’t figure out the source and neither can my vet (who is approved by the house rabbit society)

He is a free roam bunny and his rooms flooring consists of hard wood floors with interlocking foam mats, covered with a layer of uhaul recycled denim pads, covered with fleece and 100% cotton towels. Under his cardboard box houses there is memory foam bath mats and thicker towels (100% cotton)as this is where he spends most of his lounging time.

His litter box has a small layer of feline pine, covered with yesterday’s news (softer version) and a thick layer of care fresh/kaytee paper litter on top just in case the other litter was too hard.

He has his nails clipped monthly to ensure they aren’t too long. I also have silver sulvedine (ssd) cream based off of a vet techs recommendation of his front paw/area near nail looking pink.  I also started him on sherwood pet joint tablets a few months ago in case it was a skeletal issue.

Nothing seems to make a difference…

Yesterday I noticed that one of his calluses on his back heel looks more red than usual and since we are currently social distancing and my income hasn’t been coming in since March 10th, I REALLY do not want to go to the vet only to have them tell me he is fine.

Does anyone have any recommendations on anything else I should get to help them heal or prevent them from getting worse? I have read about Healx/Avix Soother Plus but I can’t find it online.

I am at a loss of anything else I could change regarding the environment so if anyone has experienced this and has a recommendation please share!

thank you!!!

best,

lindsay

[LBJ10]

As long as the callus isn’t an open sore, you could try wrapping it. Here is a how-to: http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sorehocks.html

Disable Rabbits also has a thorough article on sore hocks with some interesting ideas (baby socks?): http://www.disabledrabbits.com/sore-hocks.html

For a general soothing ointment, many people on the forum have used Bag Balm and Calendula Cream… both of which should be fairly easy to find. If your bunny has an open sore and/or there is swelling, then they will probably need more advanced treatment (antibiotics) from a vet.

[DanaNM]

Some buns have a “thumping callus” on the back of the heel that is normal. But agree if there is an open sore or swelling (or a big change) then you will need the vet to treat it. Can you post a picture of the area you are concerned about?

 

 

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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