Sore Hocks can be a
to control but it is possible.
Out of all the Rexes I have ever had (38 in total) I have lost 1 to Sore Hocks.
She got an infection in the tendon/bone which failed to respond to abx. She had the leg amputated but sadly the infection had already spread into her thigh bone. There was nothing more we could do and I had to let her go
I have since taken in Rexes with horendous ulcerated and infected hocks. Thankfully they have all responded to longterm treatment
So to answer you question 'Yes' sore hocks are potentially a life shortening condition
but it is not inevitable. I will try and find some pics of Lady Lydia's Hocks before and after treatment.
Also, Miss Bunny Penny, who is now about 8, developed sore hocks before she was 1 year old. Whilst the skin healed the fur has never regrown. However, she has had no more episodes of infection/ulceration/pain since the very first one all those years ago.