Sore hocks :(

[Kezzalou31]

I have recently rescued rex rabbit and noticed today she has the start of sore hocks. I am taking her to the vet tomorrow but is there anything I can do tonight to make her more comfy? Also she is an indoors rabbit with her own enclosure (with her husbun) and has vinyl flooring down in the enclosure (she does have access to the downstairs of the house all day which is laminate flooring and rugs) is this type of flooring ok or should i go down the fleece blanket route to keep it nice and soft for her? Many thanks

 

[Graciee]

I have recently rescued rex rabbit and noticed today she has the start of sore hocks. I am taking her to the vet tomorrow but is there anything I can do tonight to make her more comfy? Also she is an indoors rabbit with her own enclosure (with her husbun) and has vinyl flooring down in the enclosure (she does have access to the downstairs of the house all day which is laminate flooring and rugs) is this type of flooring ok or should i go down the fleece blanket route to keep it nice and soft for her? Many thanks

I have rexes, when you say the start, do you just mean a small pink patch that's visible? Because if so most rexes seem to have this, and as long as it doesn't get worse it's okay

Carpet isn't great for sore hocks but doesn't sound like she spends all her time on rugs so it's probably okay. Mine live on a thick layer of hay, and then wood floor and they don't seem to be getting bad.

Definitely get them looked at by your vet, as they'll be able to give them a good look (it's hard to know without seeing them), but unless they're actually inflamed/broken skin I wouldn't worry too much and I would just keep an eye on them

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[tonibun]

Yes I believe the softer the better ie thick bed of hay, fleeces, and keeping her nails trimmed. I have never had experience of sore hocks but there are other Members who will be able to give you advice.

 

[Kezzalou31]

Thank you both. After looking again it looked like the skin was starting to break so I've got her down to the emergency vets just to check. I think I'm going to some vet bed or blankets/fleece and line th enclosure with that

 

[Jack's-Jane]

As you may know Rex Rabbits are very prone to sore hocks. If they manage to get to about 1 year of age with no fur loss on the hocks then as long as they are kept on a suitable substrate they should not be too troubled by the condition. After 23+ years of keeping Rexes I have found that the best substrate is soft deep hay. Failing that (ie for a House Rabbit) then Vetbed or similar covered with cotton sheeting. Even carpet is OK if it is covered with cotton sheeting so that it is not abrasive.

It is also important to keep the toe nails trimmed short so the Rabbit places his/her feet in the correct position on the ground. The front feet need to be checked too as they can become sore, especially if sore hocks have already developed.

Most Rexes are exceptionally greedy and it can be a battle to keep them at a healthy weight. But it is important to do so as as well as other health problems caused by obesity being overweight will make sore hocks/feet worse.


There is some additional information on the following links :

https://www.hallamvets.co.uk/2018/08/06/pododermatitis-in-rabbits-sore-hocks/

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Skin_diseases/Mechanical/Pod/Podo.htm

http://www.cunivetservice.com/docs/SoreHocks.2013.pdf


ETA- I have found this to be extremely useful to use as part of the treatment of sore hocks. Do check with your own Vet first though

https://www.vetuk.co.uk/veterinary-...re-c-141_169/derbymed-scp-spray-200ml-p-41660

 

[Kezzalou31]

Thank you. I've ordered some vet bed for her at the minute she is on a picnic blanket and sheet. She was a rescue so I am not sure if she has had problems before (unknown history).

She definitely is greedy

 

[Jack's-Jane]

Thank you. I've ordered some vet bed for her at the minute she is on a picnic blanket and sheet. She was a rescue so I am not sure if she has had problems before (unknown history).

She definitely is greedy ��

Perfectly normal for a Rex !! :lol:

 

[Kezzalou31]

We absolutely adore her. She has to be the friendliest rabbit I have ever had. Even the vet team tried to steal her

 

[Graciee]

We absolutely adore her. She has to be the friendliest rabbit I have ever had. Even the vet team tried to steal her [emoji23]

Awh she sounds so sweet how are her feet?

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