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Sore hocks

Kim_w

Kim_w

Mama Doe
Hi - I'm new to the forum and here I am asking questions already!

My 3 year old bunny(Rupert) is a house bunny and I have noticed that his heels have pink patches on them. The vet has seen them twice and says they are fine and are just caused because rabbits feet walk heel to toe (like humans) and its just like a build up of hard skin.

They don't look inflamed or are bleeding or ulcerated.

Am I panicking for nothing or should I take him for a second opinion? :shock:
 
It sounds to me as though your vet is right although without seeing them it is hard to tell. Buns do have pink hocks, some pinker than others it's when they start looking red and sore that there is a problem.
 
Rabbits do have a pea ish sized bald patch right on their heel. It's usually hidden by fur though. Unless it gets sore then it's probably not anything to worry about :)

Just check it regularly and get back in touch with your vet if it changes at all. Well done for getting it checked out though, it's best to catch problems early :)

Tam
 
I was worried about this as i have seen little pink patches on Rorys feet but I read an artical for RWS
"Of course, not all rabbits develop sore hocks! If you take a close look at the heels of an adult rabbit, you'll usually find a small, bare, pale pink callused area right at the tip of the heel, covered by a fold of fur. This is normal.

"Sore hocks" are different - red and inflamed rather than the pale pink callused area. They may weep or become infected. In very severe, untreated cases, the tendons that run over the hock may move out of position, crippling the rabbit.

The usual site of trouble is at the tip of the heel, but severe cases may involve any or all of the weight-bearing part of the foot - and don't forget to check the front feet, too. It is worth making a habit of checking your rabbit's hocks every time you clip his/her claws."
Hope this puts your mind at rest
Tracy
 
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