Vet bed alternative for sore hocks?

[radiatorbunny12]

Does anyone know a good, cheap alternative to vet bed for helping sore hocks? This was what my vet recommended and to fill the space we have for our bunnies it would cost hundreds.

Sorry, I would look through old threads but have been overwhelmed lately as she has developed cataracts in one eye fairly quickly and is having Treatment for the E.Cun.. parasite whilst still waiting on test results for it. If it’s not this parasite then it’s just cataracts and if it gets bad enough they might consider surgery…

And she has sore hocks!

I have put down blankets everywhere as a temporary measure. Please, any good recommendations?

[DanaNM]

I’m not familiar with vet bed, but I know a lot of people use faux shearling and/or memory foam mats to help with this. Fleece is also good, especially if it can be bunched up to make an uneven surface to help them stay off the heels.

The worry with all of this is chewing and ingesting the fabric or foam, so you’ll have to keep a close eye and remove anything she’s chewing on.

. . . 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.  

[Azerane]

I’ve been using a few different things but not over their whole area as you are right that covering the lot can be difficult. So I have a variety of surfaces in different places. I have vet bed, fleece blankets, memory foam mats, one of those soft nobbly bath mats and also a soft pet mat. The pet mat is one of their favourite daytime lounging places.

If they’re on hard floor you can also use those foam puzzle mats underneath the blankets to help soften the surface.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’ve had great results with good quality memory foam bath mats.

With both these mats and, if you try puzzle mats, make sure to keep a close eye for chewing. Buns really love chewing foamy things.

[Author]

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