sore hocks in rabbits are a common problem.The feet are being affected by a skin infection.Reducing the predisposing factors that make it likely a rabbit will develop Pododermatitis is the key to preventing the condition.
Step 1: Change bedding that is damp.
sore hocks can be caused by damp bedding.The rabbit is at risk of sitting in bedding with her own urine if it isn't cleaned daily.The surface of the skin is vulnerable to infections due to the dampness and acidity of urine.The rabbit's living quarters have to be observed for scrupulous hygiene.The bedding needs to be cleaned out daily and replaced with fresh bedding.Also, replace the bed on a weekly basis.Provide adequate deep bedding, such as three to four inches of straw, so that the rabbit's paws don't get wet.
Step 2: Your rabbit's living quarters should have appropriate flooring installed.
One of the main reasons for sore hocks is the flooring.A wild rabbit is on the soil.It's important that your bunny walks on a surface that is easy to walk on.If you want to make the rabbit's lower limbs less painful, consider putting wool rugs down.The cheese-grater effect on the paws makes wire-mesh flooring inappropriate for rabbits.Damage to the skin can be caused by wire-mesh floors.The surfaces in the home can be problematic.They are too hard and can cause burns like nylon carpet.
Step 3: Don't place your rabbit in cramped quarters.
rabbits move from spot to spot in the wildIf the rabbit is confined in a hutch for long periods of time, especially if those quarters are cramped, they are likely to develop pressure sores on the feet from not being able to move around.Make sure your rabbit has enough space to move around.In order to encourage the rabbit to move around, you shouldFurnish the space your rabbit roams around in.If you put food and water at opposite ends of the run, the shelter will be in another place.Provide toys that encourage the rabbit to move.Simple things like a cardboard tube stuffed with hay can be used to encourage your rabbit to move around.
Step 4: Your rabbit should be at a healthy weight.
The more weight the rabbit carries on her body, the harder she is to hold on to.Wild rabbits and obese rabbits have sore hocks.Don't feed your rabbit too much and keep her lean.Grass or green hay is the best food for rabbits.Hay is the majority of your rabbit's food.Give a small amount of pellets as an extra treat.It is more likely that your rabbit will become obese if you feed them pellets instead of treats.If your rabbit is too heavy, you should change it to hay.Don't make any sudden changes since this could cause your rabbit to starve themselves, which can cause health problems.
Step 5: The claws of your rabbit should be shorter.
sore hocks can be caused by long claws.Raising the toes and lowering the hocks is accomplished by raising the claws of the back legs.This causes more pressure on the hocks and makes them sore.This problem can be solved by trimming your rabbit's nails.If you don't feel confident doing this, your vet or groomer can do it for a small fee.They can show you how to do it.
Step 6: Mobility problems should be treated.
Rabbits that don't move often can have sore hocks.rabbits with muscular or skeletal problems are more likely to stay in one spot if they are in pain when they move.The bunny can get sore hocks from this kind of behavior.If arthritis is the problem, talk to your vet about giving your pet a painkilling medication that is safe for rabbits in order to ease their pain and encourage them to move around.
Step 7: Check the feet for missing fur.
If you can see the underside of your bunny's back legs, you know she has sore hocks.The skin on the underside of the hock joint and along the foot is affected by the condition.There is no fur on the underside of the foot in the early stages.The skin may start to look like a callus due to the lack of fur.
Step 8: There are blisters on the foot.
There are places on the feet that are sore from sore hocks.Pressure on the lower limb wears through the skin and develops sores if this early stage goes unrecognized.The skin surface on these sores is missing and they look angry.
Step 9: Check for signs of illness.
The missing fur and sores on the feet can become infections if they are not noticed.The lower foot will develop a sticky discharge if the sores develop.The worst cases can have a bad smell.The skin is lost down to the bone and the structures are exposed when the pus is cleaned away.