In pet rabbits, sore hocks is a common condition.It is so common that owners can be more tolerant of the condition than they should be.The fur on the underside of the foot is the start of sore hocks.In its most severe form, the skin wears away and the rabbit has a sore leg.If you own a pet rabbit, be on the lookout for sore hocks and be prepared to treat it before it becomes a serious ailment.
Step 1: Take a look at your rabbit's hocks.
The length of the paw from the hock to the toes is affected by the rabbit's ankle joint.If you want to check your rabbit's back legs, gently roll it onto its back.The rabbit's spine can be damaged if they are forced over.It is possible to cover the rabbit's eyes with a towel as it has a subduing effect.If your rabbit wriggles, it's a good idea to sit on the floor, just in case.
Step 2: Determine the severity of the sore hocks.
There is a scale of severity from fur loss through to full thickness pressure sores.In its mildest form, the rabbit may lose the fur on the surface in contact with the ground and the skin may look red.The skin may be reddened or even cracked if the problem has progressed a bit further.It can become a sore or ulcer form even further.The surface of the skin can break open in response to pressure.
Step 3: There are signs of secondary infections.
Once the surface of the skin is broken, this provides an entry route forbacteria and infections.Look for a weeping discharge from the sore.The smell may be bad.There is usually a lot of skin loss from the lower surface of the limb.You may be able to see the underlying structures through the gap in the skin once the discharge is cleaned away.
Step 4: Pay attention to the signs.
This rabbit won't move around.The problem is worsened by the fact that the rabbit spends longer in one spot, which may be damp and contributing to the sore hocks.The vicious circle develops.The infections can spread into the joints or bones.The rabbit will be reluctant to move due to the pain.It will have a limp when it does move.The rabbit may not be able to eat because of the pain and discomfort.
Step 5: Wait to take the rabbit to the vet to alleviate its pain.
The foot should lie at a normal angle if the rabbit's claws are too long.The rabbit should be given a deep bed of soft straw to cushion the injured area.The rabbit's living space should be kept clean as well.If the injury was caused by the rabbit sitting in urine, you should clean the area and make sure it's no longer dirty.
Step 6: Take your rabbit to the doctor.
Seek veterinary attention if you discover your rabbit has sore hocks.The hock area will be looked at by the vet to see if the skin is damaged.The vet will look at both the primary and secondary infections if it is.If the answer is yes, the vet will investigate to see if the infection has spread to the bones or joints.The vet will check the rabbit for health problems that could cause it to sit for longer than usual.The length of the rabbit's claw will be checked by the vet.The weight is pushed back onto the rabbit's hocks by the long claws.
Step 7: Follow your doctor's advice for treatment.
To prevent further irritation, the sores need to be cleaned and wrapped.You will need to change the wrapping on a regular basis if you don't know the proper procedure for cleaning and wrapping a wound.Your doctor prescribes a medication to treat the wound.This will allow the wound to heal and kill any infections.
Step 8: Understand how a rabbit's hocks work.
Understanding how rabbits move in the wild is needed to understand how hock sores occur.They move from one patch of grass to another.The soft soil allows the rabbit's claw to sink into the ground and the whole of the foot is in contact with the earth.The rabbit's weight is spread evenly over the soft surface.Wild rabbits tend to be lean, so they don't carry excess weight which presses down on the hock area.
Step 9: Understand why there are sore hocks.
There is a difference between a wild rabbit and a pet rabbit.They move over hard surfaces.The surfaces do not allow the claws to dig in, so the foot is naturally tilted up and down at the hock.Abrade and traumatize the skin to the lower limb can occur when rabbits are kept in hutches for part of the time.The ability to form calluses and protect itself is weakened by wet bedding.Dirty conditions and urine in straw macerates can lead to infections.Extra pressure is added to the rear limbs of overweight rabbits.
Step 10: Take care of sore hocks.
Your rabbit's living space needs to be cleaned on a regular basis.There should be no wet areas for the rabbit to sit in.Make sure your rabbit has a good surface to stand on.It shouldn't have to sit or stand for a long time.Your rabbit's long nails should be trimmed on a regular basis so that they don't press the hocks onto the ground.If you keep your rabbit at a healthy weight, it won't carry excess weight.Extra weight can put more pressure on the hocks.