Sore hocks or calluses?

[LunaTheLionhead]

So, this little one has been less active lately, though she still does all of her bunny things, she cleans herself, poops, eats and drinks.

Earlier when I was washing her tooshie, I remembered to check her heels for sore hocks, and I found this on both.

It was hard to see because It’s still all mostly covered by fur, but it’s there nonetheless. I’m wondering if this is why she has been less physically active lately.

Still, though, she runs around and does all of the normal bunny things, it’s just that now she’s less quick to initiate contact. I think this is probably why.

I’m unsure on whether these are sore hocks or calluses just starting to form (I pick her up and see her paws a lot, and only noticed these because I was looking for them), could some more experienced bunny parents please help?

[DanaNM]

It looks more like calluses to me, but something to keep an eye on. It looks like you had to move the fur away to see it? If that’s the case, that’s def more indicative of a callus. Does she thump a lot? It looks like maybe a little red on the edge of one?

. . . 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.  

[LunaTheLionhead]

Yup, you’re correct, I had to move the fur to see it! In fact, I only found them because I was looking for them. Those are both pictures of the same foot, the other little pink area is even smaller than that one, so I took a picture of the one that looked the biggest and most concerning to me. The vet prescribed a scar healing cream, and suggested that I remove the wiring cover that’s on top of her “bathroom”. It’s that little plastic container where she poops and pees. We had to get one with a wire cover on top so that she’d stop digging the litter shavings out of the container, and not shove her head in there either. But I guess it did more harm than good.

[DanaNM]

Aw yeah, you might try adding a nice fluffy hay layer on top of the wire grate to see if that helps as well. But if they are covered by fur they are more likely to be calluses. Doesn’t mean should wouldn’t appreciate a softer screen though. 🙂

Another forum moderator, Wick, uses these softer plastic meshes for her buns’ litter boxes. I think they are something used for knitting? She describes her set up in this thread: https://binkybunny.com/forums/topic/rabbit-makes-a-mess-of-his-litterbox/

. . . 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.  

[LunaTheLionhead]

That’s so useful! Thank you so much! 😀

[LBJ10]

Yeah, it looks like a callus to me. What ointment did the vet give you? An OTC cream like Bag Balm may work just as well. I guess it depends on how expensive the stuff your vet prescribed is.

[LunaTheLionhead]

It was quite cheap, actually, and I’ve noticed that the little one walks and runs around plenty (still not as much as before, but she’s clearly more comfortable) now. Thank you for your advice!

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