Sore Hocks...HELP!

[Helen Thomas]

My 3 year old mini-lop (Ramsey) has red sore hocks, they don't look infected but just very angry. We took him to the vet about 2 weeks ago and she prescribed some antibiotics as a precaution in case of infection. but that was it. From looking at forums we have tried Sudacreme & Calendula lotion, the sores don't seem to be getting any worse but don't seem to be getting any better either. I have ordered some Dermagel online but this hasn't arrived yet. I am really at a loss for what is causing the problem. Ramsey is a house rabbit, his cage has a plastic bottom covered with newspaper and thick layer of hay, I was using recycled paper pellet cat litter in his litter tray (which I think may have started the problem) but have since replaced with Carefresh. I am regularly keeping an eye on his litter and when wet topping up with more Carefresh so he is not sitting in wet litter and changing his litter tray every 2 days. He has the run of most of the house which is carpeted, we used to lock him in his cage overnight but as he spent most of the night sitting in his litter tray he is now free range 24/7. His nails are regularly trimmed & he is not overweight. Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong that may be causing the sore hocks? Its getting very frustrating as his feet look so sore and nothing seems to be working...PLEASE HELP!!!

 

[Popsicles]

Some rabbits are just prone to sore hocks, so it might not be that you're doing anything particularly wrong! It is best to offer some different surfaces for him to choose to sit on, such as maybe a fleecy blanket, and a foam mat, etc. Carpet can be abrasive and wear away the fur, so even though it seems comfy sometimes even that can cause problems. In the meantime it might be worth covering the foot in a very very light dressing, to allow it to heal and grow some fur back, but if you aren't confident doing that then don't because if done wrong you could cause more problems than help. Maybe if you go back to your vet, or speak to a different (potentially more rabbit savvy) vet they might dress it for you, or reassure you that it will be okay without! It might be that it is improving slowly and you just cant tell yet.

 

[jamesewaller]

My 3 year old mini-lop (Ramsey) has red sore hocks, they don't look infected but just very angry. We took him to the vet about 2 weeks ago and she prescribed some antibiotics as a precaution in case of infection. but that was it. From looking at forums we have tried Sudacreme & Calendula lotion, the sores don't seem to be getting any worse but don't seem to be getting any better either. I have ordered some Dermagel online but this hasn't arrived yet. I am really at a loss for what is causing the problem. Ramsey is a house rabbit, his cage has a plastic bottom covered with newspaper and thick layer of hay, I was using recycled paper pellet cat litter in his litter tray (which I think may have started the problem) but have since replaced with Carefresh. I am regularly keeping an eye on his litter and when wet topping up with more Carefresh so he is not sitting in wet litter and changing his litter tray every 2 days. He has the run of most of the house which is carpeted, we used to lock him in his cage overnight but as he spent most of the night sitting in his litter tray he is now free range 24/7. His nails are regularly trimmed & he is not overweight. Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong that may be causing the sore hocks? Its getting very frustrating as his feet look so sore and nothing seems to be working...PLEASE HELP!!!

dear Helen Thomas,-are these hocks with or without sores-??-feet can be lightly wrapped with {co-ban}self adhesive wrap,and if there are open sores,-wash/dry feet add betadine,bactine,,Neosporin,and wrap,--the antibiotic may serve only to disrupt the intestinal flora,making things a lot worse,--weight of the bunz and flooring should be considered also.--start on probotics,lots of timothy grasses,quality pellets,water,some treats-and search for a dvm,-sincerely james waller

 

[Helen Thomas]

Some rabbits are just prone to sore hocks, so it might not be that you're doing anything particularly wrong! It is best to offer some different surfaces for him to choose to sit on, such as maybe a fleecy blanket, and a foam mat, etc. Carpet can be abrasive and wear away the fur, so even though it seems comfy sometimes even that can cause problems. In the meantime it might be worth covering the foot in a very very light dressing, to allow it to heal and grow some fur back, but if you aren't confident doing that then don't because if done wrong you could cause more problems than help. Maybe if you go back to your vet, or speak to a different (potentially more rabbit savvy) vet they might dress it for you, or reassure you that it will be okay without! It might be that it is improving slowly and you just cant tell yet.

Thanks Popsicles, yes I have bought fleecy blankets and put them in the spots where he tends to chill out and doze during the day. The Dermagel also arrived yesterday so applied yesterday evening, this morning and again this evening I also managed to move his fur over the part of hock that is sore to add a little more protection. The hocks are looking a little less red today but I think we still have a way to go ! If they haven't improved by next week I will make an appointment with a different vet.

 

[Helen Thomas]

dear Helen Thomas,-are these hocks with or without sores-??-feet can be lightly wrapped with {co-ban}self adhesive wrap,and if there are open sores,-wash/dry feet add betadine,bactine,,Neosporin,and wrap,--the antibiotic may serve only to disrupt the intestinal flora,making things a lot worse,--weight of the bunz and flooring should be considered also.--start on probotics,lots of timothy grasses,quality pellets,water,some treats-and search for a dvm,-sincerely james waller

Thanks James, 1 hock is just red, the other is red with a whitish crust, there are no open sores. Unfortunately I don't think Neosporin is available in NZ. He loves Timothy hay and eats plenty of it and is on Excel pellets. What sort of probiotics should I try? Also excuse my ignorance but what is a dvm?

 

[Helen Thomas]

Thanks James, 1 hock is just red, the other is red with a whitish crust, there are no open sores. Unfortunately I don't think Neosporin is available in NZ. He loves Timothy hay and eats plenty of it and is on Excel pellets. What sort of probiotics should I try? Also excuse my ignorance but what is a dvm?

Ahh just figured out a DVM is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine...yes will definitely look for a different vet that specializes in small animals..