Sore hock

Junebug13 · Sep 10, 2013

Hi! I have an EA that has a sore hock. It's been about a week of limping. I can't find any redness and there definitely isn't an open sore. I've cushioned her cage with dish towels and she really likes that. I have even supported her foot with a baby sock and some wool. Do I wait now? Do I take her to the vet? I feel like I've done all I can. It's been awhile since she's binkied or raced around. She's not herself and just wants to be left alone. She's still eating and drinking, but her behavior is just sad.

DogCatMom · Sep 10, 2013

I'd call her breeder first and ask what methods have helped other rabbits in this one's family lines *and* what you can do to prevent it. There may be some subtle thing specific to your rabbit's line that makes a difference.

Then, if that turns up empty, I'd suggest calling a rabbit-savvy vet. Do you know of one? If not, check the House Rabbit Society's list at www.rabbit.org -- just follow the links at the top of the page.

Best wishes to the little fiber maker.

Watermelons · Sep 10, 2013

If you cant find a sore then it may not be sore hocks and theres possibly another reason the rabbit is limping. She should be seen by a vet to have the real reason for the limping evaluated.

majorv · Sep 10, 2013

Agree, sore hocks typically have redness and sores developing, also loss of fur. There may be something else going on and your vet may need to do an X-ray.

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Junebug13 · Sep 10, 2013

I've figure out what's wrong. I clipped her nails a week or so ago and got too far down on one and she kicked and it bled a little. The toe is sore. I couldn't figure out why there was no red where her hock was. AND I moved both her legs up and down and they moved fine. But when I got near the toe, she wasn't having any of it. Should I still go to the vet?? It is just red, that's all, not yucky.

Maureen Las · Sep 10, 2013

If it actually is causing her discomfort after 1 week I would have a vet look at it.
It is really common to cut the nail too short by accident but it usually doesn't cause what you are describing .