Sore Hocks

Cause:
Rough cage wire, wet flooring, nervous "stompers", thin foot pads, unsanitary conditions, bacterial and fungal infections

Symptoms:
Abnormal or difficult hopping. Discomfort, shifting weight from one foot to another. Sore spots, scaly patches under side of hock, which may be inflamed or ulcerated. Sometimes infected with bacteria or fungal infections.

Treatment:
Clip all the fur around the affected area. Wash sores with warm soapy water. Remove all debris and loose scabs. Dry the animal, and use a mild disinfectant.To help the healing process you should also apply a good antibiotic ointment to the area. In order for the healing to be permanent, it must be from the bottom of the sore outward. After treatment, always be sure disinfect the rabbits cage.


In order to reduce the risk of sore hocks, you should maintain proper equipment, the selection of the right kind of breeding stock, good housing, and efficient management practices

To properly support a rabbits feet, you should use only 1/2" x 1" flooring. If replacing the stock, you should select a rabbit having real thick and dense furred hocks. Protect your herd from sudden disturbances, and select parents having quiet dispositions when breeding. Guard your rabbit against gaining excessive weight.

If the sore hock doesn't respond to treatment within a reasonable amount of time, you should cull the rabbit from the herd. If the rabbit is fed a properly balanced ration, and kept comfortable, the sore hocks will respond to treatment. Sometimes breeders will use a small nesting board in the cage for the rabbit to sit on. You shouldn't mate the rabbit until all the inflammation has disappeared and the area has healed.
Home