Sore Hocks- The Unlucky Rabbit's Foot

What is it?  Sore hocks is a condition that occurs when a rabbit’s foot fur wears off, causing the skin to be exposed and get sore.  The condition is found primarily on the heals of the back feet, although it can also be found on the front feet.

Dante's fully furred feet.  This is what they should look like.

Sore hocks. Notice the open wounds on the feet.

How can they get it? If your rabbit’s cage has a wired bottom, they are more likely to rub the fur off of their foot.  Breeds with characteristically short fur (such as the Rex and Mini Rex) are more likely to wear their foot pads down because, frankly, there is less fur to lose.  Heavier breeds of rabbit are also prone to sore hocks.

Is it treatable? Yes.  First, move the rabbit to a cage without a wire bottom, or add carpet squares or hay to the wired cage.  This temporality stops the cause of the sore hocks.  (When you do this, you will need to be extra diligent in cleaning the cage to keep it sanitary- you want to make sure any open sores do not become infected.  Throwing out old carpet squares and replacing them with new ones is the best way.)  You can add some ointment (same ointment we would use, found at any drugstore) to the sore and wrap the foot in gauze using medical tape.  Depending on the activity level of your rabbit, the bandage you apply to the foot may come off rather quickly.  Try to keep the bandage on the foot and keep the cage as clean as possible.

Is it preventable?  Yes, sore hocks is completely preventable.  It is best to catch sore hocks early.  In the early  stage, you will see that your rabbits foot fur is starting to wear or has worn off.  As it progresses, you will see the skin appear inflamed.  If the condition is allowed to worsen, you will then see scabs or open wounds on the feet.  If you regularly check your rabbit’s feet, it is likely you’ll never see the condition progress too far.  Keep hay, towels or other soft materials in your rabbit's cage so they have a place to get away from the wired portion of the cage.


Simple prevention steps will allow your rabbit to always put their best foot forward!


Peggy and Dante