Sore Hocks or Callouses?

[af0719]

Within the past week I’ve begun to notice small reddish spots on the back of my bunny’s feet. I’ve been googling sore hocks trying to figure out if this is in fact sore hocks, or if I’m just worrying myself over callouses. From what I’ve seen, callouses are normal and nothing to worry about, but to be on the safe side I don’t want to rule out sore hocks. 

She doesn’t seem to have any pain in her feet as she still stands on her hind legs regularly. I noticed the spots when she was laying with her legs kicked back and tried touching them. She doesn’t like having her feet touched, but she didn’t react in a way that would suggest the spots are bothering her. The spots are relatively flat and hard (not bubbled like it’s filled with pus). I’ve been trying to change her litter box more regularly so that there’s less chance of infection if it is sore hocks, and I put down extra blankets in her cage to soften the floor. 

Does anyone think these could these be sore hocks? Or are they just callouses? I’m a first-time bunny mom so I haven’t had much experience with rabbits before her – please let me know what you think!!

[LongEaredLions]

As long as the skin doesn’t look red or inflamed (as it does not), you don’t have to worry about sore hocks It is normal for the skin to be pink and hard.
The best thing you can do to prevent sore hocks is to keep the nails trimmed. Using blankets and keeping the area clean, as it sound like you are, are also great things to do.

[af0719]

Thank you so much! She absolutely hates having her nails trimmed so it can turn into quite the process, but I’ll see if I can get her to let me do it a little bit more regularly.

I appreciate your help!

[Author]

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