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Oscar has a Sore Hock

tonibun

Wise Old Thumper
I have never experienced sore Hocks. I know deep hay bedding is good but what else can I do for him? I will be back on line later.
 
Firstly trying to establish why the sore hock has developed is important as sore hocks are often a secondary symptom to another problem. These could include arthritis which means the Rabbit is less mobile and might take more weight on one hind leg than the other. Are the toe nails too long. If the nails are too long the foot does not sit correctly on the floor and too much weight goes back onto the hock. Obesity- overweight Rabbits often get sore hocks. What substrate does the Rabbit spend most time on ? Carpet is not good, it is very abrasive, concrete, laminate and vinyl can be a problem too. Rabbits who sit in soiled bedding for prolonged periods can also be proneto sore hocks. Some breeds are more prone to sore hocks, especially Rexes and Giant breeds.

As for treatment, it depends on the grade of sore hocks. There is a five stage grading system ( see link below).If the skin is inflamed, cracked and/ or ulcerated a Vet consultation is essential. Antibiotics might be needed as if infection gets into a hock it can lead to very serious problems including destruction of the tendons and osteomyelitis. An anti inflammatory analgesic is needed too, eg Meloxicam.

Topical treatments can include Sudocrem, Derbymed SCP Spray, Flamazine, Haemorrhoid Cream. Any topical treatment contain a corticosteroid should be used with extreme caution and for just a few days. Corticosteroids can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.

In severe cases the hocks might need to be bandaged. Bandaging needs to be done carefully to prevent interfering with blood circulation and dressings need to be changed at least once a day. More frequently if the dressing gets wet/ soiled.

Some additional information here

https://www.stortvet.com/pododermatitis-in-rabbits-sore-hocks/
 
Firstly trying to establish why the sore hock has developed is important as sore hocks are often a secondary symptom to another problem. These could include arthritis which means the Rabbit is less mobile and might take more weight on one hind leg than the other. Are the toe nails too long. If the nails are too long the foot does not sit correctly on the floor and too much weight goes back onto the hock. Obesity- overweight Rabbits often get sore hocks. What substrate does the Rabbit spend most time on ? Carpet is not good, it is very abrasive, concrete, laminate and vinyl can be a problem too. Rabbits who sit in soiled bedding for prolonged periods can also be proneto sore hocks. Some breeds are more prone to sore hocks, especially Rexes and Giant breeds.

As for treatment, it depends on the grade of sore hocks. There is a five stage grading system ( see link below).If the skin is inflamed, cracked and/ or ulcerated a Vet consultation is essential. Antibiotics might be needed as if infection gets into a hock it can lead to very serious problems including destruction of the tendons and osteomyelitis. An anti inflammatory analgesic is needed too, eg Meloxicam.

Topical treatments can include Sudocrem, Derbymed SCP Spray, Flamazine, Haemorrhoid Cream. Any topical treatment contain a corticosteroid should be used with extreme caution and for just a few days. Corticosteroids can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.

In severe cases the hocks might need to be bandaged. Bandaging needs to be done carefully to prevent interfering with blood circulation and dressings need to be changed at least once a day. More frequently if the dressing gets wet/ soiled.

Some additional information here

https://www.stortvet.com/pododermatitis-in-rabbits-sore-hocks/

Thanks Jane. He didn't have this when he had the lump removed so it has appeared recently. I am going to hopefully get a Vet's appointment.
 
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