📚 What Is Sore Hocks?

Ulcerative pododermatitis (commonly “sore hocks”) is a painful pressure sore affecting the plantar hock or foot—progressing from redness to ulcers, infections, and even bone involvement :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors

• Hard, abrasive, or wire flooring without soft bedding :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Obesity, large breed, pregnancy, arthritis—all increase pressure :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Wet or soiled bedding—urine scald is a major risk factor :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Breed predisposition: Rex (short fur), Angoras, Flemish Giants :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Impaired movement—e.g., spinal issues—shift weight to hocks :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

👀 Signs & Staging

Common signs include hair loss, reddened callus, crusts, ulcers, pain, reluctance to move, and in severe cases, tendon or bone involvement :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Staging:

• Grade I–II: Callus without ulceration or mild skin thinning :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Grade III: Ulcer and infection, crusting, sometimes tendon involvement :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Grade IV–V: Deep ulcers, potential osteomyelitis, tendon necrosis, poor prognosis :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

🔍 Diagnosis

• Physical exam with full body and foot inspection.
• Palpation and visualization of lesion stage and infection.
• Radiographs to assess bone/tendon changes :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Ultrasound if abscess or deep tissue involvement suspected :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Culture if purulent discharge is present :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

🛠️ Treatment Strategies

1. Environmental & Husbandry Fixes

• Switch to soft, dry flooring—avoid wire or hard surfaces :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Use padding like vet bed foam, fleece, memory foam mats :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Keep bedding dry—spot-clean daily.
• Trim nails so weight is distributed correctly :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Encourage movement to shift weight and improve circulation.

2. Medical Treatment

• Gentle wound cleaning with antiseptic (e.g., diluted chlorhexidine or Betadine) :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Topical barrier ointments—silver sulfadiazine or veterinary wound creams :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Use liquid bandage, New-Skin, or Pet socks/Hockassins for protection :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Systemic antibiotics targeting common bacteria (Staph, Pasteurella, Proteus, E. coli) :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Pain relief: NSAIDs, +/- adjunctive analgesics :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

3. Advanced Care

• Severe ulcers may need surgical debridement or amputation of necrotic tissue :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Osteomyelitis requires long-term antibiotics and possibly bone surgery :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Recheck radiographs to evaluate bone healing.

🏠 Home Nursing

• Apply prescribed topical medication and bandage daily.
• Use protective coverings to keep wounds clean and pressure-free :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Keep lesion dry; inspect daily for new signs or worsening.
• Encourage gentle exercise—quiet space with soft bedding.
• Offer a cooling mat if environmental heat worsens swelling.

📊 Prognosis

• Grades I–III have fair to good outcomes with proper care :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
• Grade IV–V have guarded to poor prognosis due to deep infection :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
• Prompt detection and treatment greatly improve success.

🛡️ Prevention Strategies

• Soft, non-abrasive living surfaces; use footrests or mats :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
• Regular checks of hocks to spot irritation early.
• Maintain healthy weight and nail length :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}.
• Avoid shaving hock fur—protective guard hairs are essential :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}.
• Improve hygiene: clean and dry bedding daily.
• Provide environmental enrichment—encourage movement.

🧠 Vet Tips for 2025

• In wellness exams, inspect hocks—push back fur, evaluate inflammation :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}.
• Educate owners on housing, flooring, weight, nail care.
• Recommend protective bedding and monitoring schedules.
• Train owners on wound care, bandaging, and topical use.
• Follow-up at 2–4 weeks, with radiographs for deep infections.

🔚 Final Takeaway

Ulcerative pododermatitis is a preventable and treatable condition when detected early. In 2025, combining careful housing design, proactive checks, timely veterinary intervention, pain control, and consistent home care helps rabbits regain comfort and mobility—giving them a brighter, healthier future. 🐇❤️

🌟 Partner Services

• Ask A Vet: Online support for lesion grading, antibiotic plans, topical protocols, and housing advice.
• Woopf: Bedding kits with memory foam mats, Hockassins, nail trimming sets, moist wound kits.
• Purrz: Topical creams, barrier sprays, anti-inflammatory gels, and protective pet socks.